SUNY Empire State College to hold soup drive
SUNY Empire State College will host three concurrent soup drives at its Saratoga Springs, Rochester and Selden campuses to support community shelters and food pantries committed to serving those in need.
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., volunteers at the three locations will accept all varieties of canned soup and can openers. Donors are asked to simply drive up, and a volunteer — masked and adhering to social distancing guidelines — will collect gifts, while the driver remains in their vehicle. Donations made at the the Saratoga Springs location at 111113 West Ave., will serve to benefit LifeWorks Community Action. The nonprofit organization works to alleviate poverty in Saratoga County and the North Country.
The pandemic, mass job loss, and the resulting recession have worsened the food crisis not only here in New York state, but across the country. Prior to COVID-19, more than 40 million Americans – just over 1 in 10 New York households – dealt with food insecurity. Regional food banks have experienced a 58 percent increase in food demands, and that number continues to grow as food pantries and shelters struggle to keep up with increased need.
“The pandemic has increased the number of our neighbors experiencing food and housing insecurity,” SUNY Empire State College Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea said. “SUNY Empire is grateful to collaborate with LifeWorks Community Action, Dimitri House, and Lighthouse Mission. Their continued commitment to ensuring food and services find their way to those who need it most is inspiring. We hope this drive will help them continue to help our neighbors,” Gonyea added.
Next week’s drive is the SUNY Empire’s fourth in as many months. Since November, the college held food, toy, and petdrives across the state.