The Joshua Project is seeking a box truck with a lift to help feed needy families through the summer.
That need came to light at the faith-based organization’s meeting Tuesday, when volunteers reviewed the Backpack and Summer Lunch programs that begin in little more than a week.
And besides a truck for the Backpack Program, the Joshua Project is seeking drivers to deliver the food to families every week.
But the truck is key. The Backpack Program will feed 165 needy families, up from 142 last year.
Joshua President Pat Costello said a box truck with a lift is essential so that a forklift can load pallets of food at the food bank in Latham, and then it can be easily unloaded in Middleburgh.
The truck is necessary every Thursday morning through the summer, starting next Thursday the 23rd, Mr. Costello said.
He’s previously rented a truck from Penske, but that’s not possible this year, Mr. Costello said.
Otherwise, Joshua volunteers will have to load two tons of food by hand every week, a heavy job for workers.
“It’s crunch time,” he said. “We’re close to emergency. We gotta get the food out here. That’s our big issue right now.
“We have the money to get it taken care of.”
Anyone with a box truck can call the Joshua Project at 518-937-2422.
As for drivers, they’re needed to deliver the food to families after the bags are packed every Friday morning at Middleburgh High School.
Deliveries run about two hours, though they’re often shorter in villages, Mr. Costello said.
“Middleburgh, Schoharie, Cobleskill. Those are the areas we’re looking for drivers,” he said.
“We’ll fill up the car for you and send you on your way.”
Generally two people go as a team, and there are instructions of what to do with the food––most of which is non-perishable––if a family isn’t home.
Interested drivers can call the Joshua Project at 518-937-2422.

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The Summer Lunch Program, which offers free lunches on weekdays, starts June 27 in Middleburgh, Richmondville and Cobleskill. Central Bridge is not hosting the program this year.
Richmondville and Middleburgh are in good shape with volunteers to serve the lunch, but Cobleskill needs helpers.
Members from several churches are working the Cobleskill site at the United Methodist Church, though more are needed. Anyone interested can contact Paige Bulmer at the church.
The sites offer a barbecue day––with hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken–-and a pizza day each week.
Businesses often sponsor pizza days; anyone interested in being a sponsor can call 518-937-2422.