How To Help Those in Need and Combat Hunger in Upstate New York
Since 2020, our lives have undergone drastic changes and times continue to grow harder for many in our community due to the current economic situation. So many are so desperate for just a small bite and we really should be helping.
The Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) is facing immense challenges in meeting the growing demand for food, especially with other regional agencies also struggling and turning to CHOW for assistance.
CHOW is now distributing more than 2.2 million meals not only in Broome County but also to other counties in the region as food pantries and meal sites are severely struggling to keep up with need. That's why your contributions to the Food-a-Bago food drive are more crucial than ever before.
2023 Food-a-Bago Food Drive Collection Location
From October 30 to November 6, your favorite on-air personalities from 98.1 The Hawk, 99.1 The Whale, Kiss 104.1, and News Radio 1290 WNBF will be stationed at the camper in the parking lot of Weis Market on Upper Front Street in Binghamton, ready to collect your non-perishable food items and monetary donations.
2023 Food-a-Bago Food Drive Collection Hours
The Food-a-Bago Food Drive operates on the following schedule: Monday to Friday, October 30, 2023, to November 3, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Monday, November 6 from, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
How Far CHOW Can Stretch Your Dollar Donation
Our radio personalities will graciously accept your non-perishable food items, as well as cash and check donations (please make checks payable to our partner non-profit, Music for the Mission). You'll be amazed to know that for every dollar you donate, CHOW can provide someone with five complete meals. For example, a $5 donation can be transformed into 25 complete meals, and $25 would mean 125 complete meals. CHOW has a remarkable ability to stretch a dollar.
Participate In The 2023 Food-a-Bago Shopping Cart Challenge
Business owners, churches, schools, law enforcement agencies, government officials, sports teams, and even individuals are invited to participate in a little friendly competition. With the 'shopping cart challenge' groups or individuals either fill a shopping cart with food or donate the cash equivalent to a full shopping cart and then they call out another business, organization, or individual to match or exceed their donation. Participants are encouraged to have fun with their challenge, making signs and sharing the challenge on social media.
Other Ways to Donate
If you're unable to make it to the Food-a-Bago food drive, you can still help by donating non-perishable food items at 21st Century Pools and Spas on the Vestal Parkway or at Gary's U-Pull It on Colesville Road in Binghamton. You can also make a secure donation through our charity partner, Music for the Mission, through this PayPal link.
Businesses Making the 2023 Food-a-Bago Food Drive Possible
We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Stanley Law, GHS Federal Credit Union, Music for the Mission, 21st Century Pools and Spas, Gary's U-Pull It, and Oliver's Camping Inc., for making this campaign possible.
LOOK: Food and Personal Care Shortages We Could See In 2023
Gallery Credit: Cooper Fox (B98.5) and Cameron (The Breeze 103.9)