LOUDONVILLE, NY – The Siena Men's and Women's Basketball programs will continue to combat food insecurity across the Capital Region by hosting their annual food drives during two upcoming home games in partnership with the Regional Food Bank.

Fans are encouraged to donate five canned goods to the Regional Food Bank when Siena hosts Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) rival Merrimack later this week. The Siena Men will battle the Warriors on Friday, January 9 at 7 p.m. at MVP Arena, while the Women tip-off on Saturday, January 10 at 2 p.m. at UHY Center on the Loudonville Campus.

In return for their donation, fans will receive a voucher for five dollars off a ticket to a future Siena Men's or Women's regular season 2025-26 home game (based on availability, while supplies last). Cash donations will also be accepted.

"We value the opportunity to make a difference throughout the Capital Region by assisting our friends at the Regional Food Bank," said Siena University Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "Siena fans consistently display Franciscan values by taking part in community service, and we are grateful for their longstanding support of the Regional Food Bank's mission while cheering on our Saints."

The Regional Food Bank will collect canned goods and personal hygiene products through the start of the second half of each game. Representatives will be in the MVP lobby Atrium and on the concourse between sections 104 and 105 as well as in the lobby of UHY Center. The Regional Food Bank is prioritizing healthy staples like soup, cereal, oatmeal, and 100% juice; personal hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, and bathroom tissue; and culturally responsive foods like beans, rice, and masa flour.

Fans can also show their support by making a monetary contribution in or through Venmo. For every $1 dollar raised, four meals are provided to individuals in need throughout 23 counties in Northeastern New York. 

"We are excited to partner with Siena Athletics, a relationship which has always been pivotal in our fight against hunger within the community," said Tom Nardacci, CEO of Regional Food Bank. "We are so grateful for the support of Siena University, from the athletes, coaches and staff of Siena Athletes and the great fans of the Saints, as we support our neighbors in need. " 

The Regional Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity in local communities since 1982. The Regional Food Bank collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to nearly 1,000 charitable agencies feeding the hungry across 23 counties in Northeastern New York. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks. For more information on the Regional Food Bank, visit regionalfoodbank.net.