A heartbreaking reality of this pandemic has been the rise in food insecurity across the state and nation. From unexpected food shortages to job losses, many families have been left wondering where their next meal will come from. Thankfully, volunteers across the state have stepped up to help ensure people in our community have access to bountiful resources.

In 2020, volunteers at the Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) Food Pantry served over 58,000 meals to those in need. It’s only fitting that this haven for our most vulnerable community members be named after someone as generous and kindhearted as Reverend Phil Grigsby.

For over three decades, Rev. Grigsby led the Schenectady Community Ministries as executive director and spearheaded a number of programs to combat hunger and poverty. He was committed to helping troubled youth turn their lives around and helped establish SAFE House to provide a home for teenage runaways with nowhere else to go. Rev. Grigsby also created the State Street shelter for people with mental health challenges and disabilities who were released from state-run facilities but needed ongoing support as they adjusted to their newfound independence. Although Rev. Grigsby retired in 2019, he continued to do all he can for the nonprofit under his honorary title of "urban agent emeritus,” while leaving behind a legacy of helping others that will never be forgotten.

The designation of the “Reverend Phil Food Pantry” is the perfect way to honor this local leader and the selflessness he’s shown throughout his long and distinguished career. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Rev. Grigsby and the Schenectady Community Ministries for all they have done to better the neighborhoods we call home. I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made together and helping more Schenectady families get on the path toward a brighter future.