Feed Our Vets food pantries rely on the communities that they reside in  to continue the important work of feeding hungry Vets and their families.

The Utica, NY pantry is a wonderful example of how people from all walks of life come together to support food distributions to Vets in need.

From a group of motorcycle riders, to a bunch of local hockey fans to Boy Scout troops, the Utica community is doing its part to raise funds and food for their Feed Our Vets pantry.

Feed Our Vets Utica pantry held its first Motorcycle Rally fundraiser on August 19th this year. seventy-five riders came out to support the event, which was organized by FOV Vice President Mark Smith and event producer Barb Johnston. The two hour ride began and ended at Long Branch park in Syracuse. Riders were greeted by a celebratory barbecue at the end of the ride sponsored by Wegmans and Dinosaur BBQ

Riders are already committed for next year’s ride, which is scheduled for August 11, 2013. Organizers will hold a “compass” format next year, with riders starting in four upstate NY cities– Binghamton, Watertown, Rochester, Utica– and all ending in Syracuse.

To reserve your spot, submit your Name, address,phone and number of people per bike through our Contact Page.

Another effort to raise funds and food for the Utica pantry comes in the form of a parntership with a local hockey team and its fans. There’s still hockey, even with the NHL lockout. Feed Our Vets, Utica is partnering with the Syracuse Crunch selling tickets for one of their upcoming games. Every ticket sold through Feed Our Vets raises $5 for the Utica and Watertown Veteran food distributions.  To buy tickets, send us a message.

Also,three different Utica area Cub scout troops collected food for the Feed Our Vets pantry this winter. One Saturday, scoutsleft door hangers on houses in area neighborhoods, announcing they would be picking up food the following weekend, and picked up the food the next week. Their efforts brought in over 2,500 lbs. of food for hungry Vets and their families.