Beacon Bank launches food drive Oct. 13 to support food pantries in CNY and Mohawk Valley

UTICA, New York, Oct. 13, 2026 — Beacon Bank today launched its Fall Food Drive to help combat food insecurity throughout Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. The drive will run through Nov. 13.

Donations of nonperishable food items may be made during operating hours in collection bins at any of the nine participating Beacon Bank branches in Rome (2), New Hartford (2), Whitesboro, North Utica, Amsterdam, Ilion and West Winfield.

“This food drive reflects our colleagues’ commitment to supporting our neighbors who may need a little extra assistance ahead of the holiday season,” said James J. Morris IV, president of Beacon Bank's Central New York region.

“Our local teams selected organizations in the communities they serve, where they understand the need and can make a direct impact,” said Kristine Recchio, manager of Beacon Bank’s branch in West Winfield.

Items needed most include peanut butter, tuna, canned and dried beans, cereal, rice, canned chili, soups and stews, pasta, tomato sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, and macaroni and cheese. Donations will remain in the communities where they are collected.

Nonprofits benefiting from the food drive include Utica Center for Development, Veterans Pantry of Rome, Utica Food Pantry, Feed Our Vets Utica Pantry, Royal Food Pantry, Catholic Charities Food Pantry, Sacred Heart Parish Mission of the Christ Child, Waterville Food Pantry and the Federated Church of West Winfield Food Pantry.

For branch addresses and hours of operation, visit www.beaconbank.com/about-us/locations.