Established in 1985, Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization leading the fight to end hunger across an 11-county service area that includes Central New York, Northern New York, and the Mohawk Valley. The Food Bank acts as the primary food distribution hub for hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and faith-based organizations in our region.
In addition to food acquisition and distribution, we address the root causes of food insecurity through innovative programming, nutrition education, outreach, and collaboration with non-traditional food bank partners such as healthcare providers. The Food Bank also engages in state and federal advocacy efforts to strengthen anti-hunger policy and work alongside community partners to create lasting solutions that ensure all neighbors can thrive.
Goal
By 2027, the Food Bank will be a leader of innovative and collaborative efforts to increase food security and equity.
Mission
Leading the effort to eliminate hunger in our region, through partnerships with others in our community, through education, advocacy, and distribution of nutritious food.
Vision
A community where everyone has access to nutritious food and no one is hungry.
Knowledge
Courage
Inclusion
Equity
Responsibility
Take a look through our FAQ to see if we have the answers to any of your questions about the Food Bank. Have a different question? Click the button below or call us at (315) 437-1899 during business hours to connect with a Food Bank team member.
A food bank is a warehouse and distribution center where food is solicited, received, inventoried, and then distributed to local pantries and soup kitchens. A pantry distributes food and grocery products directly to those in need. Pantries have the responsibility to seek out and help individuals and families receive food. Food banks act as the supply line and are responsible for ensuring that their member pantries have the resources they need to feed those seeking help.
While some food banks (including ours!) distribute food directly to the public through programs like Mobile Food Pantry, most of their efforts are focused on food acquisition and distribution to our community partners. Food banks and food pantries are not the same, but we are partners that share the same commitment to ending hunger and helping neighbors in need.
We collect, store, and distribute food to a network of partner agencies and other community partners that provide food assistance to neighbors across our service area. Food Bank partners include food pantries, community meal sites, and homeless shelters, as well as other nonprofit organizations with food needs (e.g. senior housing facilities, healthcare providers, etc.). Because we receive millions of pounds of donated food and can purchase large quantities of nutritious food at very low prices, our members save money on their food budgets.
Our service area spans 12,334 miles across Central New York, Northern New York, and the Mohawk Valley. We serve the 11 counties of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence.
The Feeding America network comprises 200 food banks that cover every county in the country. Feeding America helps food banks access food and grant funding, and network with one another to learn best practices and improve efficiencies within the emergency food system.
Our statewide partners at Feeding New York State support the 10 food banks across the state with product sourcing, advocacy initiatives, and leading a unified effort for a hunger-free New York.