Schenectady County Food Service Programs

For Immediate Food Access

Download the "Food 4 NY" app on your iphone or android device.

 

Visit The Food Pantries for the Capital District for up-to-date information on food pantry locations in Schenectady County, hours of operation, as well as upcoming food distributions.

 

44th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive - 2023

Sign-up Information 2023
If you would like to receive a food basket for your family this year, please carefully read the following instructions and eligibility requirements.

** Please enter through the parking lot on Eastern Avenue **

Eligibility Requirements

• MUST be a resident of Schenectady County
• MUST provide proof of current address (driver's license, electric or utility bill, etc.)
• Sign-up must be completed in person by one member of each family
• Persons with handicap or disability may send required information w/ another individual
• If signing up another individual, must have a written letter from that person giving permission to do so, with signature of that person
• MUST provide proof of number of people in family
• MUST provide ONE of the following forms of qualifying ID to sign-up:
  • Medicaid Card
  • Food Stamp Card
  • Social Security Disability Award Letter
  • SSI Award Letter
  • HEAP Award Letter
  • WIC Card
  • Public Assistance Card

  • Active Unemployment Card
  • Proof of residency in municipal housing
  • Proof of Veteran Status
  • Referral letter from a spiritual leader, food pantry, or other community agency (Must provide contact information for person writing referral)

We DO NOT Accept Social Security Cards, Social Security Award Letters or Medicare Cards.

Basket Pick-Up 2023
If you have qualified for a basket and have signed up as required above, please follow these instructions for picking up your Thanksgiving Food Basket. If picking up a basket for another individual, you must provide a written letter from that person giving permission to do so, that lists their full name, address, and is signed by that person.

Instructions:
If a line has formed, please wait patiently to enter the sign-in area. Once at the sign-in booths, you will be asked to verify your information and will be given a colored slip to receive your basket. You cannot receive a basket without the appropriate slip. Please listen carefully to instructions given at the sign-in booth.

Volunteer Information 2023

Volunteers are needed for the 2023 Thanksgiving Food Drive!! We will be limiting the number of volunteers at any one time. ALL volunteers must sign up for specific shifts in advance, by using the following link:

 

Volunteer Location:
William C. Keane Elementary School
1252 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY 12304

Volunteer Dates/Times/Activities:
Sat Nov. 11, 11am-2pm: Sorting Scout food donations
Weds Nov. 15, 3:30-7pm: Assembling Boxes
Thurs Nov. 16, 10am-3pm: Pick-up/unload food
Fri Nov. 17, 9am-3pm: Sorting food
Sat Nov. 18, 9am-4pm: Packing Food Baskets
Sun Nov. 19, 9am-5pm: Distributing Food Baskets (No small children, limited volunteers needed)
Mon Nov. 20, 8am-4pm: Agency Pick-up/Deliveries

If you would like additional information about volunteering for this event, please contact us via e-mail.