Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region held its final mass food distribution for the year on Tuesday in Albany. Denis McKay Jr., a volunteer who has lived in the Arbor Hill neighborhood for over 30 years, said that the community depends on events like these.

“Sometimes people don’t have the money to go out and buy what they need,” he said.

Earlier this year, No Kid Hungry New York poll found that 85% of New Yorkers say food costs are rising faster than their income. As a result, about 51% reported buying less meat, fish, and eggs due to the rising costs.

Now, organizers said, more than ever, many are taking advantage of food pantries and other community resources. However, these same resources need help keeping up with the demands.

Trinity Alliance has been offering mass food distribution events for Albany community members for decades. The events used to be held every month, but even with the limited number of distributions, organizers said they have been able to serve thousands within the last year.

“It means a lot to the community,” Denis McKay Jr, Arbor, said. “There’s a lot of healthy foods that they can get. Like potatoes, soup, almonds… Things that will help benefit them.

On Tuesday, hundreds lined up with their bags and carts to get as much fresh produce as possible for their homes and families.

Shakeemah Dixon, Health and Wellness Operations Supervisor for Trinity Alliance, said she is grateful for all the volunteers involved and the organization is always seeking help.

“It makes me feel good to know that I can be a helping hand to somebody when they’re in need,” Dixon said. “Especially with the extra food…doing mass foods when we don’t have limits on our items. As a parent who’s working. I work two jobs, so I completely understand the need for assistance, the food… Just anything in general. The surge of everything that’s happening.”

However, rising costs will not stop mass food distributions from happening. The next one is planned for around March 2025.