SUNY Adirondack holds food drive to benefit Backpack Program

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College among regional organizations collecting donations for students

QUEENSBURY, New York (April 18, 2022) — SUNY Adirondack’s Student Engagement & Diversity Initiatives Office joins forces with several regional organizations to offer a food drive for Glens Falls City School’s Backpack Program. 

Beginning Tuesday, April 19, the college will have four boxes around campus for donations for the program, which provides pantry items to students in food-insecure homes. SUNY Adirondack is collaborating with the school district, Tri-County United Way, CWI (Community, Work & Independence) and Fidelis. 

The collection will culminate with a “Stuff the Bus” event May 21 at Market 32 on Glen Street in Queensbury. The supermarket will also offer $5 and $10 prepacked bags of food for donation throughout the collection period. 

Feeding America reported that 42 million — or one in eight — Americans experienced food insecurity in 2021.  

Warren County had the 39th highest food insecurity of New York state’s 62 counties, with 11 percent of the population considered at risk. The food insecurity rate for Warren County children, however, is even greater, at 15.2 percent, which is 4.1 percent higher than the national average. 

“We are proud to help Glens Falls students,” said Danielle Heller, assistant director of Student Engagement & Diversity Initiatives. “Children can’t thrive if they’re hungry, and families shouldn’t have to worry about having enough to eat.” 

Among recommended items to donate are: 

  • Microwaveable cups of macaroni and cheese*; 
  • Microwaveable cups of Chef Boyardee*; 
  • Microwaveable cups of soup*;
  • Individual snack-sized bags of trail mix*; 
  • 16-ounce jars of peanut butter*; 
  • Applesauce pouches or cups; 
  • Fruit cups; 
  • Pop Tarts; 
  • Individual serving bags of snacks, including pretzels, Goldfish crackers, chips and cookies 

* denotes high-need items 

Donation boxes on campus will be located in the Student Center, outside the SEDI Office and in the Cafeteria; in the Residence Hall; and in Scoville Hall just outside Einstein’s Cafe.