News

The Network Inaugural Conference

On September 22, the Regional Food Bank welcomed partners from across our 23-county service area to the inaugural The Network conference at the Culinary Institute of America.

The day brought together food pantries, community meal programs, community leaders, and advocates to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen the partnerships that help us serve neighbors facing food insecurity.

A special highlight was the presentation of our inaugural Legacy Awards to Diane Serratore, former Executive Director of People to People, and Michael Berg, longtime leader of Family of Woodstock. Their decades of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to collaboration have helped shape both the Regional Food Bank and our network of partners working to end hunger across our region.

At a time of unprecedented demand and growing challenges for families and communities, the Regional Food Bank remains steadfast in strengthening the capacity of our network. We know that we cannot fulfil our mission alone. Our agency partners are on the front lines every day, providing food, compassion, and hope to our neighbors in need. Their commitment, expertise, and presence in local communities are essential to everything we do.

As we look to the future, The Network reflects a simple but powerful truth: when we work together, we can accomplish far more than we could alone. By investing in our partners and fostering collaboration across our region, we are building a stronger, more resilient hunger-relief network for the years ahead.