Shalom Food Pantry Hosts BBQ Fundraiser to Combat Food InsecurityShalom Food Pantry Hosts BBQ Fundraiser to Combat Food Insecurity Albany, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The Shalom Food Pantry in Albany hosted its 7th annual Battle of the BBQ fundraising event on Sunday at the Albany Jewish Community Center. The fundraiser continues to play a crucial role in the food pantry’s mission to combat food insecurity in the Capitol Region. Event Highlights The fundraiser featured eight teams from across the region competing for the best barbecue. The winning team, Abe and Jakes of Albany Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, took home top honors. Importance of the Fundraiser The Shalom Food Pantry will allocate the funds raised directly towards providing food to the communities it serves. This year, the need for food assistance has increased significantly due to the pandemic and other economic factors. Community Support Over 400 people attended the event, demonstrating their support for the food pantry’s work. Attendees had the opportunity to sample the barbecue creations and cast their votes for the best dish. Volunteerism and Partnerships The food pantry relies heavily on volunteers and community partnerships. The food for the competition was donated by the Shalom Food Pantry, while competitor Mark Swyer of Congregation Beth Emeth emphasized the importance of supporting the food pantry’s efforts. Addressing Food Insecurity David Weinraub, an attendee at the event, highlighted the urgent need to address food insecurity in the region. He encouraged other organizations and individuals to organize similar events to raise awareness and provide support to those in need.
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The Shalom Food Pantry in Albany hosted its 7th annual Battle of the BBQ fundraising event on Sunday at the Albany Jewish Community Center. The fundraiser continues to be an important part of the food pantry’s mission to feed its community and address food insecurity in the Capitol area.
The latest news, weather, sports and more straight to your inbox!
The fundraiser featured eight teams from across the Capitol region competing for the best barbecue. The Shalom Food Pantry will put the money raised directly back into providing food to the communities they serve.
The event brought out nearly 400 people, who taste-tested the food and ranked who they thought was best. Although the day was spent barbecuing, David Weinraub, who attended the event, said the event was about much more than eating the food.
“People are surprised at how much poverty and food insecurity there is in the region,” Weinraub said. “So these people have opened their eyes and their hearts and are doing the right thing for the people here.”
Shepard Park Bandstand Demolished After Morning Fire
The food bank has experienced an unprecedented need for food this year. Chanie Simon, of the Shalom Food Pantry, said the need for food has increased dramatically after the pandemic, leading the pantry to serve entirely new communities.
“We have started providing a tremendous amount of food to people in the Capitol region from Saratoga County,” Simon said. “We provide food for four different counties in the area, and you’d be surprised at the need. People who you would never think would need food are unfortunately having a hard time.”
The food bank provided the teams with the food they needed to compete. Competitor Mark Swyer, of Congregation Beth Emeth, said they have been participating since the fundraiser began seven years ago. Swyer said it is vital that they continue to be a part of feeding the region.
Childish Gambino and Keke Palmer pay tribute to Usher at the 2024 BET Awards
“This is a very important event,” Swyer said. “Why? Because it helps support the financial needs of the Shalom Food Pantry, and without it, it would be very difficult for them to provide the food that they do.”
The Shalom Food Pantry is a volunteer organization that feeds people in need through food drives, banks and food parcels. Weinraub said he hopes other organizations will host events similar to the Battle of the BBQ, bringing people together for a good cause.
“I encourage other community organizations and individuals to bring people together around an important issue like food insecurity, and this is just a great thing,” he said.
The winners of this year’s Battle of the BBQ 2024 are Abe and Jakes, of Albany Congregation, Beth Abraham-Jacob.
