When it comes to supporting local food banks, every contribution matters. Donating to food banks is not only an act of kindness but also a way to help those in need and make a significant impact on their lives.

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While any donation is appreciated, certain items can truly make a difference and provide essential nutrition for individuals and families facing food insecurity.

5 Essential Items Upstate New York Food Banks Could Really Use

While any donation to a food bank is appreciated, there are certain items that can truly make a difference and provide essential nutrition for individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

Remember, even a small donation can make a big difference. So, next time you are considering how to lend a helping hand, keep these essential items in mind and be part of the effort to combat hunger and support those in need in our community.

Speaking of ways that you can help those struggling in our community, the 2023 Food-a-Bago Food Drive to benefit the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse is underway and is a fantastic way for you to help people in the Southern Tier of New York!

2024 Food-a-Bago Food Drive Collection Location

From Monday, October 28 to Monday, November 4, your favorite on-air personalities from 98.1 The Hawk, 99.1 The Whale, Kiss 104.1, and News Radio 1290 WNBF will be stationed at the camper in the parking lot of Weis Market on Upper Front Street in Binghamton, ready to collect your non-perishable food items and monetary donations.

2024 Food-a-Bago Food Drive Collection Hours

The Food-a-Bago Food Drive operates on the following schedule: Monday to Friday, October 28, 2024, to November 4, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Monday, November 4 from, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

How Far CHOW Can Stretch Your Dollar Donation

Our radio personalities will graciously accept your non-perishable food items, as well as cash and check donations (please make checks payable to our partner non-profit, Music for the Mission).  You'll be amazed to know that for every dollar you donate, CHOW can provide someone with five complete meals. For example, a $5 donation can be transformed into 25 complete meals, and $25 would mean 125 complete meals. CHOW has a remarkable ability to stretch a dollar.

Participate In The 2024 Food-a-Bago Shopping Cart Challenge

Business owners, churches, schools, law enforcement agencies, government officials, sports teams, and even individuals are invited to participate in a little friendly competition. With the 'shopping cart challenge' groups or individuals either fill a shopping cart with food or donate the cash equivalent to a full shopping cart and then they call out another business, organization, or individual to match or exceed their donation. Participants are encouraged to have fun with their challenge, making signs and sharing the challenge on social media.

11 Non-Food Items the Chow Warehouse Wishes It Had More Of

HELP THE HUNGRY: Facts About Child Hunger In The Southern Tier

Kids often times are the ones who suffer the most from food insecurity. Don't believe us? Take a look at some startling stats from the Food Bank Of The Southern Tier