Southern Tier Unites to Help CHOW Feed Local Families

It’s hard to imagine that anyone in our own neighborhoods could be struggling to put food on the table but the truth is, they are. In our community, one in four children and one in seven adults aren’t sure where their next meal will come from. Hunger isn’t just a problem somewhere else, it’s happening right here in the Southern Tier, sometimes quietly, sometimes right next door.

CHOW’s Mission to Feed the Southern Tier

That’s where CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) steps in. Their mission is simple but powerful: to stop hunger by distributing more than 2.2 million meals each year to people in need. While CHOW is based in Broome County, their reach extends far beyond, helping families across the Southern Tier and Twin Tiers find the food security they deserve. The organization partners with pantries, soup kitchens, and community programs to make sure no one in our area has to go to bed hungry. But they can’t do it alone.

Why Food-a-Bago Matters to Our Community

Every November, right before the holidays and the long winter months, our community rallies together for the Food-a-Bago Food Drive and for good reason. Donations tend to slow down this time of year, just when CHOW’s shelves need to be the fullest. That’s why Townsquare Media stations 98.1 The Hawk, Kiss 104.1, 99.1 The Whale, and 1290 WNBF team up each year to host Food-a-Bago. It’s more than a food drive; it’s a reminder that when our community comes together, amazing things happen.

Where and When to Donate to Food-a-Bago

This year, you’ll find us parked in our Oliver’s Campers RV outside Weis Markets at 1290 Upper Front Street in Binghamton. We’ll be there collecting food, cash, and check donations from Monday, November 3 through the morning of Monday, November 10. Whether you swing by with a few cans, a trunk full of groceries, or a monetary donation, every bit helps and every bit stays local through CHOW.

2025 Food-a-Bago Hours

If you’re planning to stop by, here’s when you can find us:

Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, November 10: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. (final collection morning)

How Your Donation Makes a Bigger Impact

Here’s something you might not know: every single dollar you donate can be turned into five full meals through CHOW’s partnerships. That means your contribution goes even further than you think. We’re accepting both cash and check donations at the Food-a-Bago site. If you’re writing a check, please make it payable to Music for the Mission, our partnering non-profit that ensures 100% of donations go directly to CHOW.

And yes, all donations are tax-deductible. Just ask for a receipt when you donate.

Can’t Make It in Person? You Can Still Help

If you can’t make it out to Weis Markets during the drive, you can still make a difference right from home. Online donations can be made through the QR code below, ensuring your gift goes straight to feeding local families in need.

A Season for Giving and Growing Together

Every can, every dollar, every moment you spend helping, it all matters. Food-a-Bago is proof of how much heart the Southern Tier has. So as we head into the holiday season, let’s remember that giving back is one of the best gifts we can offer.

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Together, we can make sure no one in Broome County or beyond has to face hunger alone.