Area Musicians Unite to Help the Hungry at Foodstock 7 -By Amy Modesti 

After a two-year hiatus, Foodstock returned to Rustic Barn Pub. Since its 2017 inception, guitarist, vocalist, and humanitarian, Bob Gamache, ran six benefit events raising money to help the hungry. Sunday, March 6 was Foodstock 7, Gamache’s seventh event. Donations went towards The Food Pantries of the Capital District.

The Food Pantries of the Capital District provides more than 3.9 million meals annually from its sixty-five food pantries in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. The pandemic made things difficult for families and the organization. Community needs increased and volunteer help decreased. 2020, they helped 65,709 individuals with food for more than 2.9 million meals. Member pantries were visited 279,832 times by families and individuals that were food insecure. 

Fast forward two years and while things are some what calming down with the pandemic, food insecurity still exists. 

Such a fantastic time was had by all who attended and took part in Foodstock 7. Music was provided by As Iz (Israel Singer), The Tradition (Ralph Renna and Arya Chowdhury), Friends of Bob, Thee Mr. E Band, Soul Sky, Pete & Brian, and Vinyl Vault. Originals, covers, reggae, and everything in between, the sweet sounds of live music lifted the musical, giving spirits of everyone in the Rustic Barn Pub. Everyone who performed that afternoon was excellent and to see so many patrons come out to support The Food Pantries of the Capital District in monetary giving or bring a food donation was amazing. 

Kudos to Gamache, the Rustic Barn Pub, the musicians and bands who donated their time on a beautiful day to give back to help the hungry. For more info on how to volunteer or donate food, go to www.thefoodpantries.org .