In the face of federal cuts to America’s food stamp program, local businesses are stepping up to help our community’s most needy residents.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the status of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was unclear heading into November. Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a “food emergency” in New York, releasing $65 million in state funds to help food banks brace for the influx of families who may find their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards empty in the coming weeks.
Ultimately, funding for the program wasn’t fully suspended, but more than 42 million Americans have seen around a 50 percent reduction in benefits. Locally, that means that this month, 40,000 Capital Region households that rely on SNAP are struggling to put food on the table.
As was expected, food pantries across the region are reporting increased calls and walk-ins from households unsure of what’s next. But other local entities—both businesses and nonprofits outside of the food insecurity sector—are stepping in to fill the void. Already this month, Glens Falls contracting company Funky Solutions LLC hosted a Funky Food Drive, Night Work Bread left fresh-baked loaves out for those in need, Albany’s Bitchin’ Donuts handed out free food in the wake of a fire at it’s Lark Street location, and Price Chopper/Market 32 offered major discounts on some of their high-demand products, such as eggs, pasta, and English muffins. Here are five more local entities that helping our neighbors in need this month:
Sergio’s Pizza
Malta’s Sergio’s Pizza is living up to its slogan—“A slice of New York”—by offering what they call the SNAP Pie: a free personal pizza for every child under 18, available Mondays and Thursdays for dine-in or takeout: No proof, no paperwork, no questions. “We love this community and want to support the families who make Ballston Spa what it is,” a post on the restaurant’s social media reads. “We wish we could do more, but we hope this small gesture brings some comfort during a tough time.”
Saratoga’s Broadway Deli
For years, Saratoga’s Broadway Deli has turned the simple act of giving into a hometown tradition, handing out chicken dinners every week through November and December to families in need. This year, though the deli is unable to do the full giveaway, they are offering free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Orders are now open for Thanksgiving meals (you can call or direct message, but don’t leave a voicemail), and Christmas orders will open December 1. As an extra touch, Leah’s Cakery will provide pies for the first 50 families that sign up. Those wishing to support Saratoga’s Broadway Deli’s effort can donate through Venmo at @SBDeli, but the team warns donors to stay alert: Last year, scammers created fake accounts using the deli’s logo.
Panza’s
Also in Saratoga Springs, Panza’s is offering free meals to go every Wednesday starting at 4pm until federal SNAP benefits are restored. Community volunteers, including Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, have stepped up to help distribute meals on a first-come, first-served basis right from the restaurant’s front drive. The restaurant has encouraged Instagram followers with the means to help to donate to local food pantries or to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
Capital Streets
South of Saratoga County, an annual event is back, just in the nick of time. This Saturday, November 8, Capital Streets‘ 7th annual Collar City Cranksgiving—part bike ride, part food drive—returns to Troy. Riders will gather at Alias Coffee on Troy’s 4th Street for caffeine and camaraderie before setting off to ride around to different local shops to purchase items from a list of needed goods. Each haul, typically around $30 worth of food, will be delivered to Joseph’s House, the Troy-based shelter serving men, women, and families facing homelessness. After looping through the city, participants will reconvene at Yesfolk Tonics for an afterparty with prizes, music, and kombucha. Proceeds from the day will also support Edible Uprising Farm’s Community Funded Farmshare, a scholarship program that helps low-income families access fresh, local produce.
Chee Bog
In Cohoes, the Filipino eatery Chee Bog has launched Para Sa Masa—a program that means “For the Masses.” If a customer relies on food stamps and has nothing to eat, they can simply say “Para Sa Masa” to receive a hot bowl of chicken adobo and rice—no questions asked. Each free meal is funded by a portion of every regular Chee Bog order, and diners can add $5 to help feed someone else. “Times are tough—nobody should go hungry,” the restaurant posted on Instagram. “Together, we feed our community.”
After this article was published, we learned of another local business that’s making a difference this month:
Solevo Kitchen + Social
Every Sunday through the end of the year, Saratoga Italian restaurant Solevo will be giving out free meal bags, complete with pasta, sauce, meatballs, salad, and bread to those in need—no questions asked. Just stop by the Phila Street restaurant between 1-3pm to pick up. Furthermore, Solevo will be donating proceeds from all Sunday take-out orders to a different local charity; on November 9, it was Franklin Community Center. “Hunger is not a political tool,” the restaurant wrote on Instagram. “When our leaders fail us, it is community support that will save us.”
