College Partners to Address Community Food Insecurity
November 7, 2025
Hudson Valley Community College is giving back this holiday season by organizing and supporting several events designed to provide Thanksgiving meals to students, faculty and local families in need.
On Friday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Empire State Services Corps students are partnering with the Student Activities Office for a Day of Hunger Action Food Drive on the first floor of the Siek Campus Center. The effort will benefit the Viking Cupboard Food Pantry, which provides approximately 60 students per week with essential food products. The college’s Student Senate has supported the pantry for decades in an effort to address food insecurity among students.
In addition, the college’s Faculty Student Association and Student Activities Office has purchased 150 meal kits to be distributed free of charge to students in need. Students wishing to receive the kits, which feed four people each, can reserve a meal by visiting the Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway Request webpage and completing the form. Registration will remain open until Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. or until capacity is reached.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, the college will partner with the Regional Food Bank to host a Thanksgiving distribution drive-thru event for the second consecutive year. The event will distribute a combination of non-perishable food items, and prepared meals while supplies last. No pre-registration is required. For information on donating or volunteering at the event, visit the event information page or email thanksgiving@regionalfoodbank.net or call (518) 713-0550.
“Hudson Valley has always been a college that serves the community, not just in the classroom but beyond it,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Michael Brophy. “These Thanksgiving efforts reflect our commitment to caring for one another and ensuring that every member of our campus and surrounding communities can share in the spirit of the holiday season.”
In the spirit of the season, Hudson Valley will also host two holiday meals for students, faculty, and staff: Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m., and a Thanksgiving lunch on Monday, Nov. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Both events will take place on the second floor of the Siek Campus Center and are open to the campus community.
Additionally, the Education Opportunity Center is hosting a Friendsgiving Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second floor of Sharp Hall which will serve approximately 100 staff and students. Students from the Culinary Arts program, along with staff and volunteers, will help prepare and serve the meals.