For its long-term partnership and efforts to address food insecurity issues, Siena College was named Outstanding Community Partner of 2017 by The Food Pantries for the Capital District.
The award was presented at the organization’s annual Harvest Evening Celebration on October 5 in Troy.
The Food Pantries is a coalition of more than 60 food pantries in a four-county region. It helps fund, collect, and distribute more than 1,300 tons of food each year, which helps provide approximately 2.7 million meals.
Fr. Mark Reamer O.F.M., ’83, guardian of the Siena friary, accepted the award on behalf of the College.
“Saint Francis asked his followers to ‘preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words,’” he said. “The work that Siena’s faculty, staff and students perform on behalf of The Food Pantries is an example of preaching the Gospel by helping those in our community.”
Also representing Siena were Dr. Paul Thurston, Dr. Ruth Kassel, Dr. Cynthia Bott, April Backus, Pete Cichetti, David Liebschutz and Nick Daly ’16.
Siena's partnership with The Food Pantries operates on many levels. Students and faculty analyze data from member pantries and social service agencies as part of their coursework and independent research; the results are then shared with the The Food Pantries so that community outreach and service can be enhanced to best meet client needs. The College also hosts conferences where community leaders gather to solve issues related to food insecurity, and students frequently volunteer at member food pantries.
The Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) also assists in polling and data gathering, and instructing students in applying data to problem solving. The College’s office of Academic Community Engagement (ACE) is also closely involved in research, surveys of clients, and placement of interns, fellows and summer service scholars.
“Our work with The Food Pantries shows how important it is for Siena to build deep and meaningful partnerships in the community,” said Dr. Kassel, Siena’s assistant director of ACE. “It enhances every aspect of the experience, from student learning to community impacts.”
Thomas L. Amell ‘89, Siena’s Board of Trustees treasurer, was honorary chairperson for the event.
