Schenectady County Food Council

Join the Schenectady County Food Council for a community gathering and free meal!

📅 June 18, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Central Park Pavilion, 500 Iroquois Way, Schenectady
All are welcome. Free food and refreshments will be provided

Connect with neighbors, learn about local initiatives, and be part of conversations that are helping build a healthier, more connected Schenectady County. We'll share Food Council updates and opportunities to get involved, highlight upcoming Juneteenth celebrations and ways to participate locally, and hear from United Way of the Greater Capital Region about the Weaver Awards.

This gathering will feature a conversation about community "weavers", the individuals and organizations who strengthen neighborhoods by building relationships, fostering trust, and creating positive change.

Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss what makes communities thrive, and learn about the 2026 Weaver Awards. Nominations are now open for individuals and organizations whose efforts bring people together and make a meaningful impact in the community. Selected award recipients will receive $2,500 to support their work.

On Thursday night, we gathered at the Electric City Barn for an evening of dinner, conversation, and community-driven discussion around food access, neighborhood strengths, and the realities many residents experience every day. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared perspectives, and helped shape these conversations.

These Dinner & Data meetings are helping guide the development of our community-informed Food Action Plan, grounded in the voices and experiences of Schenectady residents. We’re excited to continue this work through upcoming Food Action Plan working sessions, where community members can stay involved, share feedback, and help move ideas into action. These sessions are held every Wednesday at 10 am, if you would like to get involved email us at [email protected]!

Special thank you to My Daughters And Me MDAM My Sons and Me MSAM INC for co-hosting this event. Another thank you to Empire Pizza for the great food and supporting our community!

Join Schenectady Community Advocates and Leaders for an evening of storytelling, solidarity, and action as we share our experiences with poverty and struggle. Together, we will lift up the plight, fight, and insight of poor and dispossessed communities while building the unity and organization needed to END POVERTY.

We are honored to be joined by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, author, Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights & Social Justice, and Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

📍 Messiah Lutheran Church; 2850 Guilderland Ave Schenectady, NY
🍽 Dinner served at 6:00 PM (2nd floor with lift access)
🎤 Main program begins at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary

This is an accessible building with gender-neutral restrooms and audio amplification available. Please share any additional accessibility needs in the registration form.

Register here: https://bit.ly/PovertySpeakout2026

Sponsored by the Rotterdam Community Center, Schenectady County Food Council, NYS Poor People’s Campaign, Nonviolent Medicaid Army, National Union of the Homeless, and Messiah Lutheran Church.

Let’s build power with our neighbors to FIGHT POVERTY, NOT THE POOR.

✨Want to try seasonal fresh local produce?✨The Schenectady Greenmarket Food Box Program makes it easier to bring healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables into your home each week.
Each weekly box includes 6–7 fresh food items sourced from our very own local farmers and can be picked up at the Schenectady Greenmarket. Delivery is also available within a 10-mile radius of the market for those unable to pick up in person.
Boxes are just $10 💰per week and can be purchased using SNAP benefits, cash, or card. Produce selections change weekly based on seasonal availability and what local farmers are harvesting.
Please note, prior registration is required. Wondering if you qualify? 🤔 Applicants are selected based on household income, residency, and demographic criteria as part of our grant funding requirements 🌱
Interested in applying? Fill out an application here:
Any additional questions about the Food Box Program can be directed to [email protected] Now is a great time to sign up and explore a variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables while supporting local farms and food access in our community.