By MARLENE McTIGUE
Capital Region Independent Media
GHENT–As Thanksgiving approaches, the Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family program, initiated by Capital Region Independent Media (CRIM), is once again bringing comfort and community to the Capital District.
Led by CRIM’s Vice President and Publisher Warren Dews Jr., this initiative has become a local tradition, providing Thanksgiving meals to those in need through partnerships with local businesses, schools and organizations. This year marks the fourth year the program has been running in Ravena and Greenville, with the event continuing to deepen its impact on the community.
What began as a simple idea years ago has grown into a powerful community initiative with an army of volunteers activated to fulfill the mission.
“Our role as a media company is not only to inform but to touch and support the community,” said Mr. Dews. “By uniting our advertisers, subscribers and volunteers, we’re able to provide meaningful support where it’s needed most.”
With support from new subscriptions and sponsorships, this year’s program is ensuring that families across the Capital Region will gather for a Thanksgiving meal with turkey, stuffing, and all the traditional trimmings.
This year, Capital Region Independent Media is inviting readers to participate through a unique opportunity that will extend this impact into December. From now until Dec. 26, the newspaper will donate one meal to a family in need for every new subscription purchased. Two-year subscriptions, for instance, will directly provide two meals to local families.
Each meal includes a 12-pound turkey, two cans of corn, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, a dozen rolls and a liter of soda, ensuring that families have a hearty, traditional Thanksgiving experience.
The need is immense. In New York, 1 in 9 people face hunger daily, and 1 in 6 are children. Nearly a third of households receiving SNAP benefits include children, underscoring the importance of programs like Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family, which help bridge gaps left by existing charity and government support.
The program’s success relies heavily on partnerships with local sponsors, including Shop ‘n’ Save, Holcim, Nolan Energy, Carver Companies, TCI and Crossroads Ford. Organizations such as Helping Harvest, St. Catherine’s Center for Children, Church of St. Patrick, and Trinity United Methodist Church play a vital role, helping identify those in need and distributing meals to families and individuals.
Some recipients will receive meals directly, while others will find support through their local food pantries and schools. TCI, a local sponsor, will distribute meals to families identified through their Backpack Program at RCS High School, which provides food for students who might otherwise go without over weekends.
“This is more than just providing a meal,” said John Barr of TCI. “It’s about strengthening our community connections and making sure everyone has a place at the table.”
The impact of the program is deeply felt among families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity, especially during the holiday season.
Thanks to the continued support of local sponsors who understand the need in the community, Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family has grown into a deeply cherished local tradition, making sure the season of giving is a time of warmth and inclusion. Through community efforts and each new subscription, the program offers an opportunity for everyone to make a meaningful impact in the lives of their neighbors this holiday season.
Mr. Dews is planning to expand the program into Columbia County soon. Anyone interested in sponsoring the program should contact Mr. Dews at 413 212-0310 or email him at wdewsjr@gmail.com.
