The Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs are once again joining the fight against food insecurity in the United States. The Saints have renewed their annual partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to host back-to-back food drives when the men host Fairfield on Friday at 7 p.m. at MVP Arena in Albany and the women take on Saint Peter’s Saturday at 2 p.m. on campus at the UHY Center.
All fans who bring three non-perishable canned food items and/or personal hygiene products to either game will receive a voucher to buy one ticket, get one free (of equal or lesser value) to a future Siena Men’s or Women’s Basketball home game this season. Moreover, the first 100 fans to donate at each game will also receive a $5 Dunkin’ card good to use at any local participating Dunkin’ restaurant.
“We have an opportunity to make a real difference in everyday lives of people throughout the Capital Region by working with our friends at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York,” said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “Siena fans are known for their community service, and we look forward to their continuing support of the Food Bank’s mission while cheering on our student athletes.”
Members of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York will collect items through halftime on the concourse of MVP Arena outside Sections 104 and 105 during the men’s game Friday (doors open at 6 p.m.) and in the UHY Center lobby during the women’s game Saturday (doors open at 1 p.m.).
“Food insecurity and the need for hygiene products go far beyond the winter holidays,” said Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Chief Executive Officer Tom Nardacci. “Siena Athletics has been a great supporter of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to ensure that this issue isn’t isolated to just one time of the year. Together we are doing everything we can to provide those in need with everyday food and the tools of daily life.”
For those planning to donate items, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is prioritizing healthy staples like soup, cereal, oatmeal, and 100% juice; personal hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, and bathroom tissue; and culturally responsive foods like beans, rice, and masa flour.
Fans can also help the Saints reach their monetary goal of raising $2,000 for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York by making a cash contribution. For every $1 dollar raised, four meals are provided to people in need throughout 23 counties in northeastern New York.
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.
Fans who donate three non-perishable food items or personal hygiene products will save on tickets to future Siena basketball home games and the first 100 will also get a Dunkin’ gift card.
– From left to right: Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Jabir, Northeast Regional Food Bank Chief Operating Officer Nick Pisani and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Carmen Maciariello encourage fans to donate food and personal hygiene products at this weekend’s Siena Saints basketball games.
Tickets to all Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball home games can be purchased online at sienasaints.com/tickets.