In the heart of Central New York, a remarkable initiative is transforming surplus food into nourishment for those in need. This innovative program, spearheaded by the Food Bank of Central New York in collaboration with over 125 local grocery stores, has become an essential part of the community’s efforts to combat hunger. Through this partnership, thousands of pounds of fresh produce, prepared meals, and other nutritious items are rescued from waste and delivered to families who desperately need them. Last year alone, Wegmans—one of the leading contributors—donated over one million pounds of food, providing more than 800,000 meals to those struggling with food insecurity. The program not only reduces waste but also ensures that wholesome, edible food reaches dinner tables across the region within the same day it is collected.

A Day in the Life of Central New York’s Grocery Rescue Program

In the crisp, autumnal mornings of Central New York, trucks laden with hope make their way through the region’s bustling streets. These vehicles carry more than just groceries—they bring life-sustaining provisions to families facing uncertainty. Each day, drivers from the Food Bank collect fresh fruits, vegetables, bakery items, dairy products, and pre-made meals from participating retailers like Wegmans, Hannaford, Walmart, and others. Evelyn Ingram, Director of Community Relations at Wegmans, explains that while some items may have minor imperfections, they remain perfectly safe and nutritious for consumption. “An apple might have a small bruise, but it’s still delicious and healthy,” she notes.

The Retail Partnership Program, now nearly three decades old, has evolved into a vital lifeline for communities across 11 counties in Central and Northern New York, as well as the Mohawk Valley. Brian McManus, Chief Operations Officer at the Food Bank, emphasizes the efficiency of this process: “From store shelves to someone’s dinner table, it all happens in a single day.” In just one year, these partnerships resulted in a staggering 5.1 million pounds of food being donated, significantly impacting the lives of countless individuals and families.

As winter approaches, the Food Bank, along with CNY Central, CXtec, and Cumulus Media, will host a telethon on January 30th to raise funds and awareness for the ongoing fight against hunger. With one in eight people in the region unsure where their next meal will come from, every dollar raised during this event will provide three meals to local families in need.

For many, this program represents more than just food—it symbolizes hope, community, and the power of collective action. As we reflect on the impact of such initiatives, it becomes clear that addressing food insecurity requires both compassion and innovation. By working together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry in our communities.