ALBANY COUNTY — The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive has added importance this year.

The Legislative Black Caucus holds the drive to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, said Wanda Willingham, who represents Arbor Hill in the county legislature and is a founding member of the caucus.

“When we started … the goal was to honor the legacy of Dr. King who fought not only for equal rights but also called for service to fight hunger,” she said. Last year, over 300 pounds of food were collected.

“This year, the food drive takes on a whole new meaning because the need has increased greatly due to COVID-19,” Willingham said. “Every day, there are food trucks all over the city of Albany, distributing food to so many people it is just unbelievable but now the food banks are running low.”

The drive will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, at two locations:

— The Albany County Department of Health and Mental Health Complex parking lot at 175 Green St. from 10 a.m. till noon; and

— The Stewart’s Shop at 875 New Scotland Ave, between 3 and 5 p.m. 

Willingham listed a number of non-perishable items that she said are “desperately needed”: canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, pasta and rice, soup, canned tuna and chicken, and cereal.

She also listed needed hygiene items: soap and body wash, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products, and diapers and wipes.

Monetary donations to the food bank will also be accepted.

Donations will be accepted on a drive-through basis. “People don’t have to get out of their car,” said Willingham.

“As Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘No one’s plate should be empty,’” so please participate and help us with this food drive,” she concluded.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer