NYSEG and RG&E Present SUNY Broome Hornet Hope Center with Largest Ever Food Donation
Student food pantry’s new location funded by Avangrid Foundation
Employee drive results in 782 lbs of food donated
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — May 21, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) employees organized a food drive that resulted in the largest single donation ever to SUNY Broome’s Hornet Hope Center.
"In just over a year, the Hornet Hope Center has established itself as an absolutely vital resource for SUNY Broome students," Dr. Tony D. Hawkins, president of SUNY Broome Community College, said. "Civic engagement has been a top priority for the College this academic year, and NYSEG's generous support is a shining example of the incredible impact that's possible when individuals and organizations take action to address challenges and improve quality of life in our community."
Employees at NYSEG’s Binghamton locations and RG&E’s downtown Rochester office brought in food donations throughout March and April for the food drive. In total, 782.7 lbs of non-perishable food were donated by the Companies’ employees, resulting in the single largest donation every received by the SUNY Broome Foundation for the Hornet Hope Center. The pantry benefits SUNY Broome students in need with non-perishable, refrigerated, and frozen food, clothing and hygiene products, and basic school supplies.
“When we were planning the food drive and looking for a recipient, we thought, who better to benefit from our employees' generosity than students who could be our future employees?" said Kimberly Talcott, food drive organizer and program manager at NYSEG. "Many of us remember the struggle to afford food during different stages of our lives. Food insecurity is prevalent at any age, yet access to nutritious food is crucial for the learning process."
The student food pantry and clothing closet’s new location in the college’s Science Building was made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Avangrid Foundation in 2024. Avangrid is NYSEG and RG&E’s parent company. In 2024, the Avangrid Foundation, NYSEG, and RG&E donated in total more than $300,000 to nonprofits addressing food insecurity across New York state.
"During our spring semester, use of the Hornet Hope Center increased significantly, but our donations have actually decreased," said Lorie Brewer, Supplemental Support Services coordinator/homeless liaison at SUNY Broome. "This tremendous donation from NYSEG came at a critical time, and has truly been a lifesaver in helping us push through the end of the semester. On behalf of the Center, and our students, we are truly grateful."
Media Contact:
Shelby Cohen