Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) spotlighted recently completed renovations and discussed project updates at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York today. With the assistance of Assembly Speaker Carl Hastie, Steck secured a $500,000 grant last year for the not-for-profit organization to renovate its kitchen and refrigerated receiving dock, as well as purchase exterior signage.

“Food insecurity continues to be an issue that many across our region are facing,” said Steck. “Organizations such as the Regional Food Bank are crucial to providing meals to those in our community who need it most. These renovations help the Regional Food Bank enhance its operations and fulfill its mission of alleviating food insecurity. I’ll continue working to deliver resources to vital organizations, like the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, that are making a difference in our community.”

Renovations to the refrigerated receiving dock are completed, allowing the not-for-profit to keep perishables fresh for longer. The Regional Food Bank collects donated foods from the food industry and distributes them to charitable organizations that help individuals in need. Approximately 2.5 million pounds of perishable food moves monthly through its facility. State grant funds that Steck helped secure will also be used to renovate the Regional Food Bank’s demonstration kitchen and install new signage.

Tom Nardacci said, “We’re incredibly grateful to Assemblymember Phil Steck and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for the capital funding they allocated to the Food Bank for exterior and interior improvements. Funding received from the New York State Assembly is being used for several key priorities – expansion of our acquisition of fruits and vegetables, renovation and modernization of our training kitchen and launch of our freshened brand,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “The critical upgrades to refrigerate our receiving dock will allow us to accept and distribute even more donations of fresh, perishable fruits, vegetables and other foods, to provide more nutritious food to people in need.”