The Siena Basketball Men’s and Women’s programs are proud to announce that fans generously supported the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, both financially and with non-perishable food, to provide 1,262 meals to neighbors in need through back-to-back food drives held last week.
Overall, 414 pounds of food were collected during the Men’s game against Fairfield on Jan. 5 and 122 more pounds were collected when the Women took on Saint Peter’s on Jan. 6. Those donations were supplemented with more than $200 in cash support.
Saints fans can continue to help the Regional Food Bank reach its monetary goal of $2,000 by making a cash contribution online. For every $1 dollar raised, four meals are provided to individuals in need throughout 23 counties in northeastern New York.
“We want to thank Siena and all the fans that supported our drive this year,” said Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Chief Executive Officer Tom Nardacci. “The generosity of the Siena Basketball teams and their fans makes a real difference for children, families, and seniors experiencing food insecurity.”
“Our fans are as generous as they are supportive of our student-athletes,” said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “We are honored to be part of this special community and we want to continue to give back in any way we can.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 17 million U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2022, a 2.8 percent rise from 2021. The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York provides nearly 48 million pounds of food to the community annually, which is the equivalent of approximately 40 million meals.
The food drives are the latest examples of how Siena and its fans have supported the Capital Region this season. Thousands of new toys were collected and distributed during December’s Toys for Tots campaign in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Additionally, Cardona’s Market Co-Owner August Cardona and Siena Men’s Basketball Head Coach Carmen Maciariello presented Director of All Saints/Blessed Sacrament John Blanche and Director of Albany CYO Michelle Vita with $1,000 from sales of the “Coach Carm Parm” sandwich on Dec. 28 to support youth athletes from All Saints and Blessed Sacrament with new uniforms and gym safety upgrades.
The Siena Women’s team hosts Rider on Thursday, Jan. 18 for its annual Gold Rush game at the UHY Center tipping off at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear gold to support the Saints and can get a Siena Rally Towel with ticket purchase (while supplies last).
After a swing through Western New York, the Siena Men’s team returns to the MVP Arena to take on Quinnipiac on Friday, Jan. 19 with tip-off at 7 p.m.
Tickets to all Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball home games can be purchased online at sienasaints.com/tickets.