Feed Albany, an initiative led by a group of Capital Region business owners and officials, has partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr. to support efforts to provide unemployed service industry workers with food items, in addition to supporting delivery functions.

Starting on Monday, March 23, 1,000 prepared meals will be produced, packaged, and distributed to unemployed workers, at-risk individuals, and in-need individuals throughout Albany County. Those seeking meals can visit: an American Brasserie (25 Chapel Street, Albany) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and at Savoy Taproom (301 Lark Street, Albany) on Wednesday, March 25 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals can obtain up to three free meals per day and per site.

To qualify to receive free prepared meals individuals must bring valid identification and be able to show proof of prior employment at a local restaurant in the form of a paycheck stub or unemployment paperwork. Unemployed restaurant workers are also encouraged to register online at feedalbany.com to receive information on future distributions and to volunteer their services to help prepare, package and distribute food to others.

All food is being prepared with the strictest adherence to local, state and federally mandated food safety and sanitation guidelines. Food will be distributed outside of the establishments with no contact and those coming to pick up food are asked to practice appropriate social distancing guidelines.

Additional restaurants that coordinated with Feed Albany for Wednesday, March 25 and will be distributing food directly to their employees include 3 Fish, Bombers, Cafe Capriccio, Cafe Hollywood, Cider Belly, El Loco Mexican Cafe, El Mariachi, Lark Tavern, LAX, Lionheart, Pint Sized, and Susie’s. If you were an employee of these establishments, food will be distributed directly to you from your respective past employer.

On Tuesday, March 24, volunteers, along with members of the Albany County Sheriff’s office, will deliver food items to St. Vincent’s Food Pantry.

Any restaurant owners who have commercial kitchens that are willing to be made available for use in the production and distribution of food are asked to reach out at feedalbany.com/restaurant.

Any newly unemployed restaurant employees who are in need of financial assistance and are willing to donate their time and talents are asked to visit feedalbany.com/employee.

For more information, please visit feedalbany.com.