Over 40,000 people each month rely on food pantries in the Capital Region. Families may visit the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry or the First Church of Albany Food Pantry twice each month. In addition to a balanced and nutritious food package, both pantries provide personal care items, fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk vouchers and help households by supplying information about additional community resources such as job training, housing, healthcare, food stamps, WIC and nutrition education.  Guests are also provided with pastoral, advocacy and referral services.

FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry: Emmanuel Baptist Church 275 State St. 518- 463-4449
contact: lorraineh@focuschurches.net

Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. & on the last Saturday of the month
from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Provides families from the Capital Hill, Center Square, Hudson, Washington and Park South neighborhoods, and beyond, with a 6-day supply of food.

FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry Affiliates: Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany Unitarian Universalist Society, Islamic Center of the Capital District, New Covenant Presbyterian Church & St. Andrews Episcopal Church

Last year the FOCUS Food Pantry served 3,519 Households, 5,967 Individuals, 86,191 meals, 1,955 Stewarts Milk Cards Distributed

First Church Food Pantry: First Church in Albany 110 N Pearl St.  518- 463-4449
contact: lorraineh@focuschurches.net

Open Monday & Wednesday: 9 a.m. to  11:30 a.m &  Friday 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 

The current food pantry is a continuation of the centuries-old custom of taking care of widows, orphans and the homeless through the Deacons Fund since the reformation in the 1500’s.  It serves people in the neighborhood and is managed by a Community Outreach Worker with the help of volunteers. 

In 2017 the First Church Food Pantry served:  35,116 meals, 485 Children, 1,094 Adults, 145 Seniors and 79 new families.

What type of paperwork do you need to bring?

• Both food pantries obtain information from guests upon intake.
• You must live in the area that each pantry serves. Guests are required to share information regarding income sources, employment and government benefits.
• Photo ID for all adults in each household plus a proof of residence- this could be a bill from a utility company or a lease.
• For children: birth certificates, insurance cards or official document from the child’s school or document from DSS.

Get started with volunteering