Several companies and organizations have stepped up this month to make donations to Feeding Westchester. The Elmsford-based organization is the heart of a network that sources and distributes food and resources to feed people who are hungry in every town in Westchester.
Healthfirst, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health insurers, has made a generous donation for nearly 40,000 families (or 150,000 people) this holiday season by stocking their Mobile Food Pantry and Fresh Market Program with more than 88,000 pounds of food.
“The economic crisis caused by the pandemic has led to devastating consequences for those who were already struggling,” said Pat Wang, president and chief executive officer of Healthfirst. “For many of our members, including one million Medicaid clients, food insecurity has always been an issue. COVID-19 has dramatically worsened the situation and laid bare how many of our neighbors lack the basic necessities to sustain a healthy life.”
Feeding Westchester’s network of nearly 300 partner agencies and programs throughout the county are serving between 260,000 – 300,000 residents who are hungry each month — more than twice as many as pre-COVID-19. The nonprofit has distributed nearly 20.4 million pounds of food, or 17 million meals, in the last year compared to 10.1 million pounds in 2019.
“Many families and individuals right here in Westchester County are facing unprecedented challenges this holiday season,” said Karen C. Erren, president & CEO of Feeding Westchester. “From those who are struggling to make the holidays special for their children, to seniors who are spending the holidays alone, the impact of hunger is pervasive in our community. This generous donation from Healthfirst will help provide 150,000 nutritious meals to those in need throughout our communities.”
On December 9,Wells Fargo surprised representatives from Feeding Westchester, Westchester County’s largest nonprofit hunger relief organization, with a $50,000 donation to help provide 150,000 meals to families this holiday season. The funds, which will assist Feeding Westchester meet the unprecedented level of need due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is in addition to Wells Fargo’s previous $100,000 in donation in 2020.
“Hunger is a year-round issue which is even more pronounced during the holidays, and this year, due to the pandemic, the need for Feeding Westchester’s services is unfortunately much greater than ever before,” said Lou Gallo, Hudson Valley/Bronx Commercial Banking market executive, Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo is deeply committed to the communities we serve and we are glad to present this check for $50,000 so that Feeding Westchester can provide meals to people in need.”
Wells Fargo has a long-standing relationship with Feeding America®, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country, and its network of 200 member food banks, which includes Feeding Westchester.
Finally, the Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation, the charitable arm of the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS®, recently presented a check for $2,000 to Feeding Westchester.
Feeding Westchester sources food from some 80 farmers, wholesalers and retailers, which is inspected, sorted and packed at its 30,000-square-foot distribution center. Trucks then deliver food through to over 300 partner food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and day care centers.
Feeding Westchester also provides nourishing choices that support wellness, health, and strength, donating more than three million pounds annually of fresh, produce like carrots, apples, berries, and leafy greens to hungry families across Westchester. Fruits and vegetables make up almost 40 percent of the food distributed.
In addition, Feeding Westchester provides children with the nutritious, kid-friendly and easy-to-prepare food they need on the weekends. Each year, they assemble almost 60,000 “BackPacks” of child-friendly meals. Each pack contains more than seven pounds of food, which is enough for six meals or more that kids can microwave or prepare even when adults aren’t home.
Feeding Westchester is located at 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY 10523. They can be reached at (914) 923-1100 or by visiting feedingwestchester.org.
