Last year, the Food Bank of Hudson Valley organized its first Thanksgiving meal distribution, serving 115,000 meals to 25,000 people across five counties. This November, it will serve more than 200,000 meals to more than 50,000 people across six counties.

Members and partners of the food bank discussed the distribution at a press conference Friday, emphasizing the importance of hunger relief during the holiday season.

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the parent organization of the Hudson Valley facility, started the Thanksgiving distribution in 2024 at the request of Equinox, a human services organization. That year, the Regional Food Bank served 150,000 meals in six Capital Region counties. In 2025, it expanded to the Hudson Valley and organized the largest Thanksgiving distribution in New York state, serving more than 350,000 meals to 75,000 people across 23 counties.

“In 2024, we kicked off a Thanksgiving distribution in the Capital Region. Equinox, an agency partner of ours, had done a Thanksgiving distribution that provided prepared meals to almost 100,000 people,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “Through the pandemic, they had cut back that and were going to stop it. I called them and asked, ‘Could you partner with us? Could we take the mantle? Could the food bank step in and support you?’ And Equinox was so thrilled we were able to do that.”

In response to growing demand, the Regional Food Bank will expand its efforts again this year. It will organize what it calls the largest Thanksgiving meal distribution in the country, serving 575,000 meals to 100,000 people in 23 counties. In the Lower Hudson Valley, that includes 200,000 meals for more than 50,000 people in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

“We’re here this morning to announce that the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, in conjunction with more than 4,500 volunteers and our partners, will deliver more than half a million Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families throughout our 23-county service area … this is the largest distribution of its kind in the entire nation,” said Bill Fioravanti, executive vice president of the Hudson Valley and of Food Industry Partnerships & Business Development. “In just the Hudson Valley, that day will provide more than 200,000 meals to over 50,000 people in need. It’s truly incredible.”

“Last year, we organized the largest Thanksgiving distribution in New York State. Well, we knew we had one more world record to hit, which is the largest in the nation. But why are we doing this?” Nardacci said. “People are feeling a lot of pressure at the end of the year during the holiday season. The need for hunger relief is higher than ever, that’s the reason why. That 42 pounds of food we provide is not just one meal; it’s 10 days’ worth of food we’re going to provide on this single day.”

On Nov. 21, thousands of volunteers will distribute meals at 48 locations, including six in Orange County. Each person will receive 42 pounds of food, including a turkey, a ham, potatoes, gravy, an apple pie and other fixings. Volunteers will also deliver meals to 20 senior citizen sites in the Hudson Valley.
Several of the food bank’s partners spoke about food insecurity in the Hudson Valley and across New York. They said the Regional Food Bank’s facilities are invaluable resources that feed countless families throughout the year, and that the Thanksgiving distribution provides much-needed relief during the holidays. They also said they were proud to work with the food bank on the effort.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with the people they love, without worrying about putting food on the table. There’s a lot wrapped up in that meal: catching up with everyone around the table, debating whether stuffing or mashed potatoes is better, and figuring out how to put everything together. And helping provide that meal gives families more room for people to have traditions that they love,” said Dani Tremblay, manager of community relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper. “We’re proud to be a presenting sponsor for the Thanksgiving distribution, and we’re especially excited that this year will be the largest in the nation. For more than 40 years, we’ve teamed up with and supported the Regional Food Bank through food donations, our Fresh Recovery program, fundraising and our amazing teammates.”

“We work in the community, and we see the need day to day. People come to us and tell us about their struggles with the economy and everything rising. Just going to the supermarket and getting a bag can be so much money. Imagine the people who are living on a limited income, seniors and single parents,” said Cristina Saito, director of human and social services at Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster. “There’s so much need out there, and the number will continue to grow, as we see every year. There’s a need that we try to capture as much as we can, and this would not be possible if we didn’t have the Regional Food Bank helping and guiding us.”

“As farmers, we understand that sometimes, despite how hard you work and how carefully you plan, circumstances beyond your control can change everything. And I think that’s something we all need to remember when we talk about food insecurity,” said Olivia Sobiech, vice president of Green Valley Onion Company in New Hampton. “Sometimes, all it takes is one unexpected hardship for a family to find themselves needing a helping hand. That’s why support for local farms and local food banks goes hand in hand; we are both stronger together and have a shared responsibility to respect, support and nourish one another. We are honored to provide the donated onions to the food bank for this 2026 Thanksgiving distribution, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for generations to come.”

“I am so proud to be up here representing St. Peter’s Health Partners for this massive food distribution. This is our third year supporting this, and we are so proud to be a part of it,” said Sheila McCart, a food bank board member and manager of community engagement at St. Peter’s Health Partners. “Our mission has always been to uplift and support our community, and there’s no better time to live that mission than during the holiday season. And certainly, food insecurity cannot be done alone; not one organization can take that on alone. It takes support, creativity, shared resources and collaboration.”
For more information on the Regional Food Bank and its Thanksgiving distribution, visit regionalfoodbank.net.