Central New York Regional Food Bank Launches Drive-Thru Pantry to Keep Families Safe

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  Food and Wine on Fri, Nov 07th, 2025 by WNYT NewsChannel 13

Central New York Regional Food Bank (CNYRFB) has announced the launch of a new drive‑thru food pantry that aims to expand access to nutritious food while reducing physical contact for families who are still wary of indoor gatherings. Located on the food bank’s Syracuse campus, the pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a rotating selection of canned goods, fresh produce, dairy, and other staples. Volunteers guide cars to the pickup area, hand out pre‑packed food bags, and answer questions, allowing families to receive assistance without leaving their vehicles.

The drive‑thru concept emerged as a direct response to the sustained increase in food insecurity caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and ongoing economic disruptions. According to Executive Director Maria Rodriguez, the pantry “lets us keep serving our community while respecting their comfort and safety.” The food bank projects that the pantry will serve over 150 families each week. In addition to the drive‑thru, CNYRFB has deployed a mobile “food bank truck” that visits local churches and community centers to distribute ready‑made meals and packaged food.

Volunteer participation is critical to the pantry’s operations. The food bank is seeking individuals to help with packing food bags, sorting donations, and managing the drive‑thru line. Shifts range from 2‑hour to 4‑hour blocks, allowing for flexible scheduling that accommodates both part‑time and full‑time volunteers. “Volunteers are the backbone of our service,” Rodriguez emphasizes. “They allow us to expand our reach and keep operations running smoothly.” The volunteer portal, available on the food bank’s website (https://centralnyfoodbank.org/volunteer), offers detailed information about upcoming opportunities, training sessions, safety protocols, and a FAQ section. The portal also hosts a video tutorial demonstrating how to pack a food bag efficiently and safely.

The pantry is part of a broader partnership network that includes local businesses and community organizations. The Syracuse Farmers Market and the grocery chain Foods of the Valley provide fresh produce and bulk items. A local bakery supplies free loaves of bread, while the City of Syracuse recently donated 3,500 pounds of canned goods. These collaborations help diversify the pantry’s inventory, ensuring that families receive a balanced mix of fresh and shelf‑stable foods.

CNYRFB’s parent organization, Feeding America, has also introduced a digital portal that allows families to request food packages online. Those lacking transportation can receive packages via home delivery or at designated community hubs. The portal, launched last summer, has already assisted 5,000 families across Central New York.

The drive‑thru pantry’s design follows New York State Department of Health guidelines on social distancing. The layout keeps volunteers and families at least 6 feet apart, and all staff wear masks and gloves. A plexiglass divider separates the volunteer line from the family pickup zone to further minimize contact. The pantry’s floor plan is intentionally simple, with clear signage directing drivers to the pickup area and volunteers to the distribution point.

Looking ahead, CNYRFB plans to expand the drive‑thru model to other parts of Central New York. The board has earmarked $75,000 for this expansion, targeting new locations in Albany and Buffalo by the end of 2025. These new sites will adopt the same safety‑first approach and volunteer‑driven model.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Local residents, especially seniors who struggle to walk into a building, appreciate the convenience. James Turner, 78, shared, “It’s been a lifeline for my family. The staff is friendly, and we can get what we need without stepping out.” Local businesses have expressed support by offering free meals to volunteers as a thank‑you for their service, further strengthening the community bond.

In addition to the pantry and volunteer portal, the food bank’s website hosts a “Volunteer Resources” section that includes safety guidelines, hand‑washing instructions, and an overview of pantry operating procedures. The portal also provides a link to the New York State Department of Health’s food assistance guidelines, ensuring that volunteers and staff remain informed about the latest health protocols.

The drive‑thru pantry represents a creative, community‑centric solution to ongoing food insecurity. By leveraging volunteer support, local partnerships, and adaptive logistics, CNYRFB aims to continue delivering essential food supplies while safeguarding public health. Volunteers are essential to the pantry’s success, and the organization encourages anyone willing to help to sign up through its website. The pantry, volunteer portal, and partnership network together create a robust, flexible model that other regions may emulate.