Mass Distribution is a bit different than our normal distribution. On the 4th Thursday of every month from April through October, we receive a large shipment of product from the Regional Food Bank (typically around 8 - 12 palettes). Anyone living in Schenectady County can come collect food regardless of whether they have already visited the pantry twice this month and we do not do intake but instead, hand out tickets.
There are both walk-up and drive-up lines which means we have a group of volunteers outside serving the cars and group inside to serve the walk-ups.
Some of the duties include:
- Breaking down palettes
- Packing product
- Distributing packages to guests
- Handing out tickets
- Clean up
It is always a fun, high energy event that brings together the whole community!
SOME MORE GENERAL INFO:
The truck usually arrives with the product any time between 7:45AM - 8:15AM so if it is possible to get here between 8:00AM - 8:30AM we would really appreciate it! If you would like to help and cannot make it until 9:00am, that is completely fine - just let us know so we can plan. Please also note that distribution typically ends up finishing around 10:00/10:30AM when we run out of product.
As always, please dress appropriately for the weather a bring a water bottle. Mass Distribution will happen rain or shine. In the case of extreme rain, everything will be distributed from inside.
PARKING:
If you arrive early enough (before 8AM), you might be able to street parking on Albany Street. Otherwise, parking is available in the Duryee Memorial AME Zion Church parking lot located at 311 Hulett St, Schenectady, NY 12307. You can access the lot via Hulett Street, though there is a gate that opens onto Albany Street that you can exit/enter through. It will be unlocked for Mass Distribution.
