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CapNY Community Impact: The Free Food Fridge

January 6, 2021 By Jessica Kelly

Jammella Anderson, the founder of Free Food Fridge Albany, wanted to make fresh, perishable food available to marginalized communities. Food accessibility was already an issue, and the pandemic compounded these problems during the spring of 2020. So Jammella and a group of volunteers decided to take action.

How the Free Food Fridge Began

29-year-old Albany resident, Jammella Anderson, has always been concerned about food security. “It’s part of my personal journey and quest,” says Anderson. “I wanted to work with underserved communities because I am a black woman.”

“And I know, being someone who has grown up without that security was really difficult. So this has a personal place in my heart.” As a result of Covid, Jammella and a few friends came together with the idea of a food fridge. “Other cities like New York have similar projects going with more of a give-some-take-some idea. My idea is a restoration project,” Anderson says. “Thankfully, I had a lot of media presence, so people were really excited to help amplify it,” she explained. And she has successfully raising money to support the food fridge project for the past 10 months.

Supporting the Free Food Fridges Project

Anderson is grateful for all forms of support, but there are very specific ways that you can get involved on a regular basis. “The members of the community with the financial means can support the mission financially. This allows us to provide food for the fridges through donations to the project,” explained Anderson. “Making monetary donations is a great way to get involved. It’s a huge help.” Free Food Fridge Albany PayPal is freefoodfridgealbany@gmail.com. Or, you can Venmo at Jammella-Anderson or use Cash App at $JammellaAnderson.

If you’re looking for other ways to contribute, they’re always looking for fresh foods. For example, perishable items like milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and any meal enhancers you can think of. “If someone who wants to donate food regularly can ask to be assigned items. So when they go to get their own groceries, they can get specific things for a fridge,” explained Anderson.  It’s a huge help. One time donations are certainly welcome, but the Free Food Fridge goal is to create sustainability. On their website, you can also see what volunteer positions they’re looking to fill like fridge managers, administrative work. Even artists can help by making the fridges beautiful! 

Where to Find Free Food Fridges and How it Works

If you need food, you can just walk up to a Free Food Fridge and help yourself – simple as that. If you want to put food in the fridges, you must first contact the organization.

“We want to help monitor what’s going in and out and it’s crucial that we abide by health rules and regulations,” explained Anderson.

There are six fridges located at In Our Voices in Albany, The Free School in Albany, Collar Works in Troy, Radix Ecological Sustainability Center in Albany, Albany Barn, and Albany Center Gallery.

Connect with The Free Food Fridge

Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

3 CapNY Thrift Shops for the Socially & Economically Conscious Consumer

November 21, 2020 By Mia Nilo

A Newfound Appreciation for Thrift Shops

Growing up, I was not much of a thrift store person. We were a Kohl’s Cash, JCPenney’s clearance sales, and Old Navy Super Cash household with the mentality that we wore clothes until they wore out. Style wasn’t much of a priority. But as I got older and needed to both build up my personal fashion sense and pay for those clothes myself, I looked to thrift shops.

It’s very easy to become enthralled with glitzy Instagram accounts and unboxing videos from fashion influencers, but fast fashion is unsustainable both environmentally and ethically. So, I developed two criteria for seeking out these thrift shops:

  1. Finding local thrift shops that directly benefit the community
  2. Choosing thrift shops that catered to my budget

Just like anything else, where you buy things and where that money goes matters. To that end, here are 3 thrift shops located in CapNY that fit the bill.

My Top Pick

  1. Style Encore
    (22 Clifton Park Rd. #78, Located in Clifton Park Center)
    M-S 10:00AM-8:00pm, Sun 11:00AM-5:00PM
    518-630-5730

Style Encore is a locally owned and operated franchise that also encompasses other second hand shops in the area, including Plato’s Closet, catering more to brand name clothes for teens and young adults and Once Upon a Child, which carries kids clothing. Earlier when I said to choose thrift shops that fit your economic need, a place like Style Encore is what I mean.

With the boutique-ification of thrifting, some stratifications of access have emerged to appeal to different markets. When you begin to think about your fashion philosophy, be honest with yourself. Consider your impact. If you’re buying second hand and used clothes, not because you need to but because you want new looks and would like to cut costs and move away from fast fashion, Style Encore fits the bill.

What brought me to Style Encore was the fact my post-university job at a nonprofit paid about $36k after taxes. At about $20/hour and around $1100 biweekly, that first check pretty much got eaten up by rent, utilities, car insurance, and my health insurance premium. A good portion of the second check was taken up by consumables and fun stuff with the barest trickle going to savings. I lived in a relatively low-cost area and did not have student loan or major credit card debt.

I am listing the financial factors that were a part of my fashion philosophy, not saying this to tell you how you should budget your money.  Everyone’s cost-benefit calculation is a personal judgment. Transparency in financial decisions can de-stigmatize the perception of wealth and can empower other people to make more informed purchasing decisions for themselves.

Style Encore fit my economic needs because:

  1. Most pieces I was attracted to were priced between $5.00-$25.00, around what I was willing to purchase for new, except with the added benefit of lowering my environmental impact. 
  2. Some brands that would otherwise not be accessible to me new, I could find there used and in a perfectly serviceable condition.     
  3. While the majority of my wardrobe is practical and utilitarian, I like owning a fresh statement piece each year for specific events, to be retired usually after being photographed wearing them a couple times. 

Here’s what I left the shop with:

For a complete summer outfit that really popped, I found these shorts that actually fit my waist and butt at $8, plus a racerback style top in a beautifully vibrant, boho print that held at my neck with a mandarin-style collar for $12. It was floaty and light, perfect for a warm day throwing axes.

The real prize was a Calvin Klein bodycon black dress for $25. I absolutely slay in this outfit. I have now worn it to a big birthday bash and a Valentines dinner. It is the outfit I use to convince my often fawning audience that thrifting is both a desirable and more sustainable styling option.   

Need some caffeine after slaking your thirst for the hunt?

Located in the same shopping center, Uncommon Grounds is a local institution with specially sourced and freshly roasted coffee, accompanied by the best bagels you will get north of NYC.

Other Socially-Conscious Thrifting Spots

2. For Pete Sake—A Thrifty Place
583 New Scotland Ave, Albany 12208
M 11:00AM-3:00PM, W-F 10:00AM-3:00PM, S 10:00AM-2:00PM
518-525-1107

For Pete’s Sake is operated by St. Peter’s Hospital right across the street. It actually used to be in its basement like an underground Macy’s with everything from prom dresses to home goods.

I got these small yellow baking dishes for a dollar each and got both these clear tea cups for a dollar.

Shortly after moving to Albany from California for grad school, I was looking for things to set up my new home. My roommate was from Georgia and didn’t even have a good coat for the impending wet and windy autumn. We washed up at Pete’s Sake like lost souls in need of supplies and boy did it deliver.

3. Second Chance Thrift Shop
1229 Central Ave., Albany 12005
T 10am-2pm, S 10am-2pm

This thrift shop is a fundraising venue for The American Italian Heritage. Museum & Cultural Center in Albany. They have a steep collection of clothing of all kinds – including a boutique room with higher end items. In the back room, they have endless jeans, all for $4 each. As one person who wrote a review said, “You have to see it to believe it.”

  • READ more about how the fashion industry is moving towards more sustainable options
  • LISTEN to a report on how the industry is evolving post pandemic.
  • SHOW OFF your most treasured thrift shop finds and freshest looks with #CapNY.
  • FIND MORE of writer Mia Nilo’s work at MiaGNilo.com.

Upstate Overnights: Albany Edition

October 5, 2020 By wordpress

The Red Cottage, Slingerlands

With COVID limitations and the warm months of summer ending, I’ve been feeling a little discouraged that my ability to “getaway” for a weekend here and there seems to be coming to an end. Luckily, CapNY has plenty of cozy little staycation spots that will feed my cravings to escape from reality for a couple of nights. On this edition of Upstate Overnights, I’ll fill you in on where you can stay for a few nights in Albany County!

Gabby’s Cozy Fall Picks

Click on each of the four picks for The Low-Down, what Gabby loves about each spot, and details on how to book!

Grey Gables

Washington Park Inn

The Morgan State House

The Red Cottage

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

Check out Upstate Overnights: Catskills edition, too!


Gabby Fisher is an avid CapNY ambassador, travel lover, & foodie. She is ACE’s Digital Media Manager and the Founder of co-mads, a consulting company that curates travel and volunteer experiences; along with providing marketing, event, and content creation services to organizations whose missions align. She’s also a Co-Founder of Flips Resale, a business she started with her father.

The Red Cottage: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

A home away from home. The Red Cottage is a unique bed and breakfast in the heart of peaceful historic Slingerlands. The 3-acre parcel is home to the Innkeeper’s house and the Red Cottage where guests are welcomed with open arms. The cottage is surrounded by old trees and gardens, and the interior decorated with period pieces and contemporary artisan crafts.

Breakfast served in dining room of main house

What Gabby Loves About This Place

This place had my admiration when I read the following about their breakfast, “The focus is on fresh, healthy, local, organic and seasonal. Local blue/green eggs from a nearby CSA are a favorite as are artisan breads.” Okay, so where do I sign up? Plus, “in the evening, plat du jour is offered occasionally in the main house at the whim of the cook.” The ambiance of this place, plus their emphasis on good local food is a win-win for me.

The Details

Reservations may be made via telephone or email. Click here for the contact information. In all seasons, the rate is $165 per night + 8% sales tax. If you stay more than three nights, there is a 10% discount. This is a beautiful autumn stay, book yours today before it’s reserved for the season!

The Red Cottage
Address: 138 Font Grove Rd, Slingerlands, NY 12159
Phone: (518) 475-1684
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Instagram

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

The Morgan State House: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

The Morgan State House is located on beautiful Washington Park in downtown Albany, impressively designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, the architect of many of the world’s most well-known and beautiful public parks, including Central Park and Prospect Park in NYC. This “Ultimate Modern Inn” is accompanied by a private English garden and a taste of historical elegance in its design and layout.

The Garden

What Gabby Loves About This Place

This was an easy choice…a delicious breakfast (included in your stay!) in the garden. Such a lovely, peaceful way to start a day of an urban adventure. Albany simply serves the best of both worlds, nature and city, and The Morgan State House is a perfect example of it.

The Details

You can book your stay directly on their website for the best rates. Rooms start at $149 per night. Parking is available for $10 per night. They also offer special packages and deals to enhance your stay and exploration of Albany.





The Morgan State House
Address: 393 State St, Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518)427-6063
FB
IG

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

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