UTICA, N.Y. — The Capraro Technologies Fund for Johnson Park Center Food Distribution at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties received more than $9,000 in community donations in 2022. Gerard Capraro, founder and president of Capraro Technologies, Inc., matched the donations dollar-for-dollar. “We are so grateful to Dr. Capraro for his generosity and […]
UTICA, N.Y. — The Capraro Technologies Fund for Johnson Park Center Food Distribution at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties received more than $9,000 in community donations in 2022.
Gerard Capraro, founder and president of Capraro Technologies, Inc., matched the donations dollar-for-dollar.
“We are so grateful to Dr. Capraro for his generosity and continued support of our center,” Johnson Park Center CEO Rev. Dr. Maria A. Scates said in a press release. “The funds awarded ... will allow us to purchase additional pallets of food for community giveaways and the general food-pantry operation. We are able to purchase high-cost, high-value foods that low-income community members may otherwise be unable to afford in this era of rising costs of living.”
The fund, established in 2022, supports the food pantry located on West Street in Utica. Contributions to the fund directly support the purchase of food items for families in need.
“The fund was established to help the many people in need in our community who struggle with the everyday costs of life including the cost of fuel for their vehicles, costs of their home, and their high medical costs which oftentimes results in them making a choice between these items and putting food on the table for their family,” Capraro said.
Capraro will match contributions to the $10,000 mark, and there is roughly $900 left before reaching that goal, thanks to the community’s support and a $2,500 donation from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
“We recognize that addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, is vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Regional President Eve Van de Wal said. “We are fortunate to have extraordinary community partners like the Johnson Park Center who share our mission of helping those in our communities live healthier and more secure lives. We are proud to contribute to the Capraro Technologies Fund for the Johnson Park Center Food Distribution program, helping to continue the important work of providing nutritious meals to the most vulnerable in our community.”
More than 34 million people in America are food insecure, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About 53 million people utilized food programs in 2021.