Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins’ Annual Turkey Drive Feeds Hundreds

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins handing out turkeys at ShopRite in Yonkers

More than 250 turkeys delivered to those in need thanks to partnership with ShopRite and community organizations.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins once again joined forces with ShopRite of Greenway Plaza to lead the fight against food insecurity by distributing Thanksgiving turkeys and side dishes at the ShopRite location in Yonkers on Monday. 

Monday’s event was Senator Stewart-Cousins’ second annual turkey drive in partnership with ShopRite of Greenway Plaza. Last year, the partnership resulted in more than 100 families receiving turkeys. This year, thanks to partners including ShopRite, PCNY, Youth and Senior Empowerment Foundation and Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID, that total has expanded to more than 250 turkeys and side dishes delivered to families in Yonkers and Westchester in time for Thanksgiving.

“Food insecurity is a serious issue year-round, but especially as we approach the holidays,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Events like these are reminders that Thanksgiving is not just a time to be thankful, it’s also a time to be generous. These turkeys are going to address hunger here in my district and give hundreds of families something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving.”

Among those receiving turkeys Monday were dozens of grandparents who participate in the Senator’s annual “Angel Project,” which pairs grandparents who are primary caregivers to their grandchildren with “Angels,” donors from the community who help fulfill their holiday wishlist. More than 20 grandparents picked up their turkeys at the Yonkers ShopRite store, while others were delivered through the Kinship Programs of Family Service Society of Yonkers and Family Ties of Westchester. 

The ShopRite event Monday was the final of several turkey distribution events organized or attended by Senator Stewart-Cousins in the past few days, providing hundreds of holiday meals to families throughout New York’s 35th Senate District.

ShopRite District Director of Operations Charles Sladek said “ShopRite’s mission is to be a community partner to ensure people eat healthy and live well. ShopRite is proud to continue our amazing partnership with Senator Stewart-Cousins as we keep fighting to eradicate hunger, and ensure our neighbors have a happy Thanksgiving.”

“We are very proud of the relationship we have with Senator Stewart-Cousins and with partners like ShopRite here in the Yonkers community,” Sara A. Brody, Executive Director of Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID, said. “It’s wonderful to be able to join with both of them to make a difference here in Yonkers this Thanksgiving.”