United Way of Westchester and Putnam coordinated a Community Canned Food Drive in Westchester and Putnam counties this month that mounted to more than 3,500 pounds of food, which were donated to local food pantries during National Canned Food Month.
Wegmans Food Markets donated $1,000 worth of canned food toward the drive.
“With calls to our 211 Helpline related to food insecurity increasing by more than 20% over last year, we know our community has been struggling with food insecurity,” said Tom Gabriel, CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam. “We thank our partners and the community members who donated and volunteered to help us improve the lives of our neighbors who are facing food insecurity or hunger.”
Partners in the event were: Westchester Library System, Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library, Brewster Public Library, Mahopac Public Library, Putnam Valley Free Library, Double Up Food Bucks, Feeding Westchester, and Volunteer New York! About 50 volunteers also assisted with the collection and distribution process.
Partnerships in the fight against hunger make us stronger, and Feeding Westchester holds our relationship with United Way of Westchester and Putnam in the highest regard,” said Karen C. Erren, president and CEO of Feeding Westchester. “Their ALICE Report is one of the most valuable tools for understanding the true need for food in our community. The canned food drive is another example of UWWP using its platform to make a difference, in this case, helping to ensure that our neighbors have good, nutritious food on their tables.
Terry Kirchner, executive director of the Westchester Library System, said, “In acknowledging the prevalent hunger and economic challenges faced by some communities in Westchester, we recognize how imperative it is to address immediate needs such as food. United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s dedicated efforts in alleviating financial strains are commendable. As we partner with United Way, extending our collaborative reach to include basic needs, we aim to tackle the intellectual hunger that often accompanies economic hardship. By combining forces, we aspire to not only provide immediate relief through initiatives like food drives but also to cultivate a foundation for long-term empowerment, fostering a community that thrives intellectually and economically.”
