October 20, 2015

Catholic Charities Receives Rural Food Pantry Grant

Catholic Charities Receives Rural Food Pantry Grant

Hunger and food insecurity present a problem in many areas, but those problems can be unique in rural regions where transportation and resources are limited. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is pleased to announce that we have been awarded with a $22,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation.  The funding is provided through a pass-through grant from Catholic Charities USA to undertake capacity building projects at four rural food pantries and begin food pantry services at a fifth rural location.

This grant will assist our food pantries in Ilion, Hudson, Cobleskill, Westerlo, and Catskill. Projects funded will include training for staff members to help better address unique aspects of rural poverty; capital equipment like shelving, freezers, reusable bags, bins, computers, and signs; and personal care items, which are normally not accessible through the food bank or through state funded programs.                             

“This grant is fantastic,” said Vincent W. Colonno, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.  “Many of our rural communities face different challenges to addressing hunger, and thanks to this support from CCUSA we’ll be in a better position to meet those challenges and get the people the help they need.” 

The grant will help immediately, and items have already been purchased to assist our food pantries in advance of the Holiday season.