In Addition to Food, Here Are 11 Things CHOW Really Needs

The Food-A-Bago Food Drive is back for 2025 from Monday, November 3 to Monday, November 10, and once again, we’re rolling into the Weis Markets parking lot on Upper Front Street in Binghamton to collect non-perishable donations for Broome County CHOW.

You’ve probably heard us say this before, but it’s worth repeating, CHOW can stretch one single dollar into five complete meals. It's truly incredible and while food is always needed, there are a few other items CHOW wishes they had on hand… things most of us don’t usually think to donate.

CHOW Supports More Than Just Hunger

I was talking with my friend Les, who runs the CHOW Warehouse, and he reminded me that CHOW isn’t just feeding people, they’re helping them survive. Yes, they provide groceries to families all across our community and beyond, but they also hand out personal care essentials and basic household items to people who are starting over, struggling, or simply trying to get through one more hard day. Sometimes the most meaningful donation in addition to food is a toothbrush, a warm pair of socks, or a bar of soap.

READ MORE: Broome County Deserves Better: No One Should Go to Bed Hungry

Where and When to Drop Off Donations

We’ll be camped out in the RV November 3 to November 10 in the Weis Markets parking lot at 1290 Upper Front Street in Binghamton. Swing by, say hello, and drop off whatever you can, even one item makes a difference.

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Don’t Forget the Non-Food Essentials, Too

When you're out picking up items for the food drive, think about tossing a few non-food essentials into your cart, too. These are things CHOW rarely receives but constantly runs out of. Scroll down because we’ve put together a gallery of the most-needed non-food items that make a huge impact but are often overlooked.