POUGHKEEPSIE – “Cans for Cans”, a food drive created by The Foodstock Fund (the fund) has returned after a year off due to COVID. The event collects non-perishable food items that will be delivered to the pantry at Dutchess Outreach.
Beginning on Friday, July 9, and running through Sunday, July 11, individuals that bring five food items to participating establishments will receive a free beverage from the bar or restaurant. The free beverage provided is determined by the establishment and is provided as barter or trade for the donation.
Individuals must bring the items to the bar or server and indicate that it is for the “Cans for Cans” food drive. Donors can only make one trade per day at each participating location.
Foodstock’s Ryan Michael told Mid Hudson News that the response has been tremendous in the past and this year should be better because people are returning to bars and restaurants now that restrictions are being lifted. “COVID took a toll on everyone and Dutchess Outreach did an amazing job to keep people from going hungry during the pandemic.” Food pantries throughout the region saw the number of people needing food skyrocket during the pandemic. As a result, their inventory was depleted. “The Foodstock Fund works to assist pantries and make sure people don’t go hungry. This event gives everyone a chance to help us as we help Dutchess Outreach,” said Michael.
Arnoff Moving and Storage provided boxes to hold the donations until they can be delivered next week.
The Derby Restaurant in Poughkeepsie is one of the collection points. Owner Joey Rabasco said “It’s our chance to help those in need. Our customers are socially aware and will definitely respond to this call for help.”
Donors can take advantage of the trade at the following locations:
- Arlington Grill, 770 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Juan Murphy’s, 796 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Karen’s Bar & Grill, 702 Freedom Plains Road (Route 55), Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Monkey Maghees, 40 Vassar Road, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- River Station, 1 N. Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- The Derby, 96 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Junior’s Lounge, 504 Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Mahoney’s Irish Pub, 35 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Noah’s Ark, 135 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Schatzi’s Pub, 202 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
