More fridge space at the Regional Food Bank

LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York moves more than ten million pounds of food through its doors. Thanks to a new refrigeration system, even more donations can be kept cold and fresh.

Since the 90s, all the food comes in through the food bank's receiving dock but the pallets can't stay for long; needing to be quickly transferred to the nearby freezer. "We're a little bit constrained. Our cooler's behind us and it's 4,000 square feet. That gets full very quickly," said Nick Pisani, Regional Food Bank CFO.

A half-a-million-dollar capital improvement grant came to the food bank's rescue. Now, the receiving dock is refrigerated and food can stay there. Assemblymember Phil Steck turned on the system installed overhead.

"We do everything today not to turn down a load and we never have to turn down a load. Somebody offers us more apples; how bout them apples? We take 'em," joked Pisani.

Over the next few years, volunteers hope to move 4 million more pounds of food through the bank as the local need continues to increase. "There's this feeling that the pandemic's over and the need has waned but that's just not true. People have been hit with other issues: inflation, the cost of rent, the cost of medical care. So, the need is still at an all-time high," explained Tom Nardacci, Regional Food Bank CEO.

The Latham distribution center will also have its kitchen and bathrooms renovated along with new signage by using the grant money.