How CHOW Makes Every Cent Count To Combat Food Insecurity

In the ongoing fight against food insecurity, the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) plays a vital role in providing nourishment to individuals and families in need not only in Broome County but also in neighboring counties.

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With limited resources, CHOW has become adept at stretching every dollar to maximize the number of meals they can provide. Through strategic partnerships, smart procurement practices, and community engagement, CHOW demonstrates remarkable efficiency in transforming limited funds into nutritious meals for those facing hunger in our communities.

One of the key strategies employed by CHOW is the establishment of partnerships with local farmers, food manufacturers, and grocery stores. These collaborations enable CHOW to acquire surplus or donated food items that would otherwise go to waste. By rescuing and repurposing these items, CHOW can provide meals at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them outright. This practice not only minimizes food waste but also maximizes the impact of each dollar spent.

Smart procurement practices are another essential tool utilized by CHOW to make their budget go further. CHOW can negotiate discounted prices or bulk purchasing agreements with suppliers. This allows them to acquire larger quantities of food at reduced costs, stretching their resources to serve a greater number of individuals and families in need. Additionally, CHOW often works with food wholesalers and distributors to access discounted or surplus items, further stretching their purchasing power.

SEE ALSO: Southern Tier Food Pantries Face Urgent Need for Donations

Through partnerships with government agencies and participation in federal programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, CHOW can access additional resources to buy food at reduced prices or secure grants to support their operations. These programs provide critical assistance and allow food banks to make the most of their funds, extending their reach to serve even more individuals and families in need.

Additionally, community engagement and fundraising efforts raise awareness and support for CHOW, garnering both financial donations and food contributions that further amplify their impact and now is the time to help if you are able through the yearly Townsquare Media Food a Bago Food Drive.

2023 Food-a-Bago Food Drive Collection Location

From October 30 to November 6, your favorite on-air personalities from Townsquare Media 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.

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.