Davis College and Broome Community College Basketball Teams to Help Rescue Mission’s Whitney Place and CHOW

From the Rescue Mission:

On Tuesday, November 13th, Davis College and Broome Community College will use regular-season basketball games to increase awareness of hunger and homelessness while also collecting non-perishable food items for CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) and raising funds for Whitney Place, the Rescue Mission’s supportive housing residence for homeless men in Binghamton.

Both games will be held on the schools’ home courts to highlight National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week which runs from November 10th to 18th. At 6 p.m. that night, the Davis College Falcons will play their home game against Onondaga Community College. Then at 8 p.m., the Broome Community College Hornets will take their court against SUNY Delhi.

Students and supporters of both schools are being asked to help fight hunger and homelessness by attending the games and supporting both programs. Red Rescue Mission bracelets will be on sale for $1 each and fans are asked to bring cans of non-perishable food for CHOW.

The Rescue Mission’s purpose, rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, is to restore hope to the broken, affirm dignity to the poor and equip those they serve to realize their full potential. This year, the Rescue Mission celebrates its 125th anniversary. The organization conducts programs in Syracuse, Auburn and Binghamton, operates 12 Thrifty Shopper stores and its newest retail venture, 3fifteen on the S.U. Hill. For more information, visit the Rescue Mission at rmlifechanging.org.

Council of Churches gets $10,000 donation

BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Broome County Council of Churches is getting $10,000 to help the hungry. The Grainger Foundation is donating the money in support of the CHOW program.

The program distributes food to 28 food pantries, 35 soup kitchens and other meal programs. The Outreach Warehouse serves about 6,000 people monthly, 40 percent of them children.

By: Web Staff

Food Drive To Benefit Broome County Hungry Families

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Aiming to stomp out hunger in the Southern Tier, Weis Markets have teamed up with Wild 104 and 99.1 for a food drive.

They'll be collecting non-perishable foods in an RV outside of the Weis on Upper Front Street, Binghamton.

All the food will be given to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, or CHOW, which will distribute the food to families in need.

Louie G will DJ a dance for free for the school that brings the most non-perishable foods.

"Anything. And you know, all the grocery stores are great around this time because they have sales on the non perishables. So if you can bring by one can, if you can bring by a case, whatever you can bring by, it's all going to help out CHOW. And families will really appreciate it," said 104.1 radio personality Louie G.

It is close to Thanksgiving, so any canned pastas or potatoes would be a big help, too.

Council of churches receives foundation award

BINGHAMTON — The Broome County Council of Churches received a $10,000 award from the Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation for its Ramp It Up program.

The program provides wheelchair ramps for the elderly and disabled.

Help Wanted!!!!! To Benefit The Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse in Binghamton NY

It is time to give back to the community that has supported us all season long. DeMetro Racing and our Sponsors are teaming up for a big task, but we need your help. Our goal is to fill our race trailer for the Chow Warehouse in Binghamton!!!! We know with everyone’s help in the racing community we can do this!!!! How can you help? Spread the word on your facebook and websites!! Hold a Food Drive where you work!!

 Bring your collections on November 10th at the Price Chopper at 1001 North Street in Edicott, NY from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Bring your car and or team out on November 10th…to show your support!!

 Contact any media sources you may have!!! We will accept monetary donations to go grocery shopping for the food pantry! If you would like to get involved please message us and we can give you specific details. We can also be reached at info@demetroracing.com. Please help us help the less fortunate as the holiday season approaches.

Location:

Price Chopper 1001 North Street Endicott, NY

 

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

To learn more about the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse go to http://www.broomecouncil.net/chow/chow.html

Residents Walk To Raise Money For Food Bank

10/21/2012 (Updated 10/22/2012 12:10:01 PM)

It's been a rough year for many residents of the Southern Tier.  Some are still recovering from last year's flood and others are still looking for work.
   
With this economy thousands of people rely on the food pantries and soup kitchens to feed their families.  On Sunday hundreds of people came to Binghamton University to take part in the 30th annual CHOW hunger walk.

It's a 2 and a half mile walk around the campus and raises money for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

Chow's Director says more people than ever are using its services and  they serve about ten thousand people a month.

"It's a tough year for people.  It's a tough year for us because were getting a lot more demand for food so it's difficult for everyone.  Were hoping we can have a good hunger walk so we can help as many people as we can through out the winter," said Ed Blaine, Director of Chow.

The Director says they were hoping to raise 50 thousand dollars from this year's walk.

Binghamton Restaurant Week raised more than $7,000 for CHOW

BINGHAMTON — The city’s Restaurant Week raised more than $7,000 for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse and served more than 16,990 meals.

On Thursday, restaurant owners, city officials, sponsors and a representative from CHOW celebrated the 10-day event that brought people to local restaurants, gave customers a taste of the city and helped out a local non-profit.

“It’s really given everybody an opportunity to see what we have to offer,” said Mayor Matthew T. Ryan.

Restaurant Week, which took place from Sept. 18-27, included 20 city restaurants which offered menu specials to give customers a variety of samples of each eatery’s cuisine.

The Rev. Joseph Sellepack, executive director of Broome County Council of Churches, which runs CHOW, said it’s amazing that the region that suffered so much a year ago after the flood has come back to help those in need.

“It’s hard to believe a little over a year ago, we would be under water,” Sellepack said. “I thank you for the work that you’ve done.”

Over the course of restaurant week’s bi-annual event, which began in March 2010, participating restaurants sold 58,697 meals, had revenues of more than $1 million and donated $24,626 to charities, according to Marie McKenna, co-owner of Lost Dog Cafe and co-organizer of Binghamton Restaurant Week. 

The seventh Restaurant Week will be held from March 12-21.

Written by     Debbie Swartz

Broome church council announces annual CHOW Walk

The Broome County Council of Churches has announced that it is inviting both veteran and new volunteer walkers to participate in the 30th CHOW Hunger Walk, which will be held Sunday, October 21.

Hundreds of walkers, including dozens of churches, youth groups and community organizations, contribute to the success of this annual 2.5 mile event, which will be held on the Binghamton University campus starting at 2:00 p.m. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. at the parking lot located next to the B.U. Events Center.

CHOW, the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, provides emergency food to approximately 40,000 Broome County residents each year by providing inventory to 34 pantries located across the county. CHOW also operates the Broome Bounty Food Recovery Program.

The demand for its services has been growing constantly as local individuals and families try to deal with the difficult economic environment. Nearly half of those receiving assistance are children.

“Now, more than ever, we need to make this Hunger Walk the best ever,” noted Deacon Edward Blaine, CHOW’s program director. “We are counting on the long-established volunteer spirit of the families, churches and organizations of Broome County to help us raise the money needed to assist those struggling against hunger. Find a sponsor, get a group together or walk yourself; be a part of this important event to help our neighbors.”

All walkers raising at least $50 will receive a free tee shirt. Refreshments, food and entertainment will be provided after the walk.

Volunteers can call the Council of Churches at 607-724-9130 for more information and can pick up pledge packets at the office located at 3 Otseningo St., Binghamton, on the city’s South Side.

Walkers can bring their pledge envelopes and money they collected to the walk.

Care-Givers And Isolated Women to Benefit From New Initiatives

Joanne Kays from the Broome County Council of Churches Faith in Action Volunteers  and Cathy James from the Alzheimer’s Association  spoke on the Southern Tier Close Up airing October 6th about upcoming programs reaching out to care-givers and isolated women.

James says many times care-givers become overwhelmed as they work around the clock meeting the needs of their loved ones and could use a break.

James says the Alzheimer’s Association will train interested volunteers on skills needed to help patients with memory impairments that not only will relieve some of the stress on the care-giver but can also help the patient with more interaction and skills.

Kays says the other initiative will reach out to women who may not have the facilities to get out of the home and into social settings. Kays says the program will work in cooperation with existing senior centers and other agencies.

To find out more about the Broome County Council of Churches you can go to their website at www.broomecouncil.net.

The Alzheimer’s Association website is www.alz.org.

By: Kathy Whyte  

CHOW, Food Bank team up to fight Broome hunger

BINGHAMTON — A new partnership between the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse was formed with the hopes of reducing the thousands of Broome County residents facing hunger and food insecurity.

CHOW has become the Food Bank’s first and only re-distribution organization, an affiliation that will improve the program’s access to local, state and federal resources to distribute more food across Broome, said the Rev. Joseph Sellepack, executive director of Broome County Council of Churches that administers CHOW.

Although currently distributing a combined 3.1 million pounds of food annually in Broome, CHOW and Food Bank officials said during a news conference Thursday an additional 4.3 million pounds is needed to meet demand in the county.

“We still are nowhere near meeting the need that exists,” said Natasha Thompson, president and CEO of the Food Bank.

The Food Bank distributed more than 1.57 million pounds of food in 2011, reaching 31,984 residents in poverty, according to a news release, adding CHOW provided about 40,000 meals.

Among the benefits of the partnership is that CHOW will see its cost to purchase items from the Food Bank reduced by half, dropping to 9 cents per pound, Sellepack said.

CHOW, which operates a warehouse on Otseningo Street in Binghamton, distributes food through it’s network of more than 30 food pantries, 35 soup kitchens and several community meal programs.

The Food Bank, which serves six area counties including Broome, distributes food through more than 160 member agencies, which range from shelters to partnerships with other nonprofit agencies.

Before becoming the Food Bank’s first re-distribution organization, CHOW purchased food from the Food Bank and other sources such as grocery stores providing discounts, Sellepack said.

“Access to food is certainly a challenge,” Sellepack said, noting the reduced Food Bank price should help.

Thompson said the price dropped because the new partnership requires CHOW to improve its operation. For example, there is better inventory oversight, which eliminates food safety liabilities that drive up costs for organizations.

The partnership also allows CHOW to access resources through Feeding America, the federal network of food banks that provides funding and other aid.

Written by

David Robinson

Binghamton kicks off Restaurant Week Fall 2012

It’s time for restaurants to shine in Binghamton this week as the fall edition of Binghamton Restaurant Week kicks off Tuesday. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, many say it’s the right time to try something new and give back to the community.

 

It’s time for restaurants to shine in Binghamton this week as the fall edition of Binghamton Restaurant Week kicks off Tuesday. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, many say it’s the right time to try something new and give back to the community.

 
BINGHAMTON -- It’s the official fall week dedicated to flavors, fun and family.

“Lunch is still 10 bucks for a three course meal and dinner will depend on the restaurant,” said Sead Hadziabdic, Crepe Heaven Owner.

Restaurant Week Fall 2012 kicks off on Tuesday with as many as 20 restaurants participating, and many are offering affordable deals during the week.

“We are basically the crème de la crème. If you look at the lists of the restaurants, every single one has a name and reputation,” said Hadziabdic.

The event focuses on introducing students, businesses and the community to the local dining scene, while raising money for a local charity. Even though it’s called Restaurant Week, the event runs longer than seven days, running through September 27. Proceeds will benefit Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

“It’s nice to be able to eat and support helping other people eat, by eating,” said Amy Gregory, Green resident.

Hadziabdic added, “You make the old customers happy, because of the price, you meet the new customers and you do something for the community too.”

Many say it’s the right time to dine on something new.

“It’s good to try new food and if you don’t think something looks good, it might taste really good,” said Sierra Gregory, Norwich resident.

Joshua Davis, Endwell resident, added, “Kids can spend time with their mom and dad and they can learn new things and learn to try stuff they didn’t think they would care for.”

People here say restaurant week is not only the perfect time to try something new, but also help the community bounce back from last year’s flooding.

“Anything the community can offer for folks to get out there and see what they have will hopefully be a good boost to the local economy,” said Clay Davis, Endwell Resident.

Hadziabdic added, “Restaurant Week was postponed last year, because of the flood and it came back very strong in the spring, so we can safely say it’s growing.”

It's an event that allows you to put a lot on your plate, without breaking the bank. If you'd like more information on Restaurant Week and the participating restaurants, head to binghamtonrestaurantweek.com.

Weis Markets Launches Month Long Fight Hunger Program

SUNBURY, Pa. -- Weis Markets today announced the launch of its fifth annual Fight Hunger Food Drive, a month-long program offering customers an opportunity to donate to local food banks and emergency food providers.

The program, which begins on Sunday, September 2 and runs through September 30, will run in all Weis Markets' stores.  Weis Markets will supplement its customer donations with a $200,000 corporate donation.

"Food banks and pantries continue to tell us their demand has grown significantly in recent years and that they expect it to continue to grow in the months ahead," said David J. Hepfinger, Weis Markets' President and CEO.  "Our combined goal is to generate one million meals for the twelve food banks and one hundred emergency food providers who are working with our stores."

Customers also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers which can be purchased at any Weis Markets' cash register. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift card donations so they can easily fill in any gaps in their food supplies.

The Fight Hunger Food Drive will benefit: The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast, PA; The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg); The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Williamsport); The Maryland Food Bank; The Commission on Economic Opportunity/The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Greater Berks Food Bank (Reading); Philabundance (Montgomery County, PA); Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW)/Broome County Council of Churches; Food Bank of the Southern Tier (Elmira);  Philabundance; Northwest Community Action Program NORWESCAP Food Bank (Phillipsburg, NJ); and Mountaineer Food Bank (West Virginia).

These agencies will collect donations at some locations and coordinate local food pantry pick-ups at other Weis Markets' stores.

Customers can donate shelf-stable items including cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100% fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed mac and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.

More information on the Fight Hunger Food Donation Program and its partner food banks is available on Weis Markets' website at www.weismarkets.com, through Weis Markets Customer Service at (866)999-WEIS and at www.facebook.com/WeisMarkets.

About Weis Markets
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets is marking its 100th year of continuous operation this year.  It currently operates 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.

Source: Weis Markets

Local food banks to benefit from Weis Markets drive

Hunger visits the homes of hundreds of Southern Tier families and Weis Markets is looking to do something about it.

Through the end of the month, the grocery chain will host its fifth annual Fight Hunger Food Drive at all of its locations. Weis will donate $200,000, and customers can donate food to local food banks, including the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in Elmira and the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse in Broome County.

In addition to food donations, the stores’ customers will also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers that can be purchased at any Weis Markets cash register.

All of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift cards, so they fulfill any gaps in their food supplies, according to Weis.

“Food banks and pantries continue to tell us their demand has grown significantly in recent years and that they expect it to continue to grow in the months ahead,” said David J. Hepfinger, Weis Markets president and chief executive officer.

“Our combined goal is to generate 1 million meals for the 12 food banks and 100 emergency food providers who are working with our stores.”

Items that can be donated include cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100 percent fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.

In addition to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and CHOW, Weis Markets will donate to food banks near its 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia.

Written by

Debbie Swartz

 

Weis Markets launches month long fight hunger program

Weis Markets today announced the launch of its fifth annual Fight Hunger Food Drive, a month-long program offering customers an opportunity to donate to local food banks and emergency food providers.

The program, which begins on Sunday, September 2 and runs through September 30, will run in all Weis Markets' stores. Weis Markets will supplement its customer donations with a $200,000 corporate donation. Customers also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers, which can be purchased at any Weis Markets' cash register. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift card donations so they can easily fill in any gaps in their food supplies.

The Fight Hunger Food Drive will benefit: The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast, Pa.; The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg); The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Williamsport); The Maryland Food Bank; The Commission on Economic Opportunity/The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Greater Berks Food Bank (Reading); Philabundance (Montgomery County, Pa.); Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW)/Broome County Council of Churches; Food Bank of the Southern Tier (Elmira); Philabundance; Northwest Community Action Program NORWESCAP Food Bank (Phillipsburg, N.J.); and Mountaineer Food Bank (W.Va.).

These agencies will collect donations at some locations and coordinate local food pantry pick-ups at other Weis Markets' stores. Customers can donate shelf-stable items including cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100% fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed mac and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.

For more information about the Fight Hunger Food Donation Program and its partner food banks, please click HERE or call Weis Markets Customer Service at (866) 999-WEIS.

Council of Churches' golf tourney rescheduled

BINGHAMTON — The annual Faith in Action Golf Classic originally planned for Aug. 10 has been rescheduled to Sept. 20 at Traditions at the Glen.

Registration and opening events begin at 11:45 a.m. and golf begins at 1 p.m.

Openings are available for the event, which is sponsored by the Broome County Council of Churches.

For information, call Joanne Kays at (607) 724-9130, ext. 304.

— Staff report