Local food pantry hosts fundraiser to combat food insecurity

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Shalom Food Pantry in Albany hosted its 7th annual Battle of the BBQ fundraising event at the Albany Jewish Community Center on Sunday. The fundraiser has remained a staple of the food pantry's mission to feed their community and tackle food insecurity in the Capitol Region.

The fundraiser hosted eight teams from all over the Capitol Region that competed for the best Barbeque. The Shalom Food Pantry will be putting the money raised right back into providing food for the communities they serve.

The event brought in nearly 400 people, who taste tested the food, and ranked who they thought was the best. Even though the day was spent barbequing, David Weinraub, who attended the event, said the event was about much more than eating the food.

"People are surprised about how much poverty and food insecurity there is in the region," Weinraub said. "So these folks opened their eyes and their hearts and are doing the right thing by the folks here."

The food pantry has experienced what they are calling an all-time high in need for food this year. Chanie Simon, of the Shalom Food Pantry, said there has been a jump in the need for food after the pandemic, which has pushed the pantry to serve entirely new communities.

"We started providing an enormous amount of food to people across the Capitol Region from Saratoga County," Simon said. "We provide food for four different counties in the area, and you'd be surprised at the need. People you would never think would have the need for food, unfortunately, are having a hard time."

The food pantry provided the teams with the food needed to compete. Competitor Mark Swyer, of the Congregation of Beth Emeth, said they have been competing since the fundraiser started seven years ago. Swyer said it was crucial that they remain a part of feeding the region.

"This is a really important event, Swyer said. "Why? Because it helps support the financial needs of the Shalom Food Pantry, and without it, it would be awfully hard for them to provide the food that they do."

The Shalom Food Pantry is a volunteer run organization that feeds those in need through food drives, banks, and food packages. Weinraub said he hopes other organizations hold events similar to the Battle of the BBQ that bring people together for a good cause.

"I encourage other community organizations and individuals to bring people together around an important subject like food insecurity, and this is just a great thing," he said.

This year's Battle of the BBQ 2024 winner is Abe and Jakes, of the Albany Congregation, Beth Abraham-Jacob.