Food Bank to Distribute 575,000 Thanksgiving Meals
Regional Food Bank in Latham will run a statewide Thanksgiving giveaway across 23 counties on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Regional Food Bank in Latham plans to distribute 575,000 Thanksgiving meals across 23 counties, expecting to serve 100,000 people at 48 distribution sites on Saturday, Nov. 21. The giveaway will also include 10,000 prepared meals delivered to senior housing locations.
Why it matters
The effort aims to address food needs during the holiday season for residents across upstate New York, the Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks. Food is provided through Nourish New York, a state program that purchases New York-grown and produced food.
The food bank plans 575,000 meals, up from 350,000 meals distributed in 2025, and expects 100,000 recipients across 48 sites. Final distribution totals and turnout have not yet been reported.
The players
Regional Food Bank
A Latham-based nonprofit food bank serving 23 counties across upstate New York, the Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks, which coordinates food distribution to residents in need.
Nourish New York
A New York state program that funds the purchase of New York-grown and produced food for distribution by food banks across the state.
The details
Each distribution site opens at 10 a.m., and families receive about 42 pounds of food in two bags containing a turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, green beans, apples, potatoes and apple pie. The giveaway requires 4,500 volunteers, and prepared meals are being made by BOCES culinary programs and food bank volunteers at the Albany Capital Center.
Timeline
January 2026: The food bank began planning the Thanksgiving effort.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026: Thanksgiving giveaway distribution at 48 sites, with sites opening at 10 a.m.
Philanthropy Context
The Regional Food Bank's Thanksgiving effort is funded in part through Nourish New York, which channels state purchasing toward New York-grown food. The planned 575,000 meals compare with 350,000 distributed in 2025, signaling a substantial expansion of the holiday program.
Families in the 23-county service area can receive about 42 pounds of food in two bags for Thanksgiving. Residents should check local distribution site details ahead of the Nov. 21 giveaway to plan pickup.
The takeaway
Community food programs depend on volunteers and coordinated state purchasing, so local residents can support the effort by volunteering or donating ahead of the holiday distribution. Checking with the food bank for site details helps families plan for pickup.
What happens next
The Thanksgiving giveaway distribution is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, at 48 sites beginning at 10 a.m.
Further reading
Explore more charitable giving and nonprofit news in Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
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