WHITE PLAINS, NY — The Food Bank for Westchester, which operates the county’s largest food collection and emergency distribution network, today kicked-off its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. At the kick-off held at the Food Bank’s Elmsford distribution warehouse it was announced that this year’s goal is to raise the funds necessary to provide 5,000 turkeys for families in need.
A donation of just $25 provides turkeys for two families. With approximately 200,000 Westchester residents hungry or at risk of being hungry, there is a significant need for meals this holiday season. Last year the Food Bank exceeded its fund raising goal and was able to provide more than 4,000 turkeys.
The Food Bank for Westchester supplies agencies across the county including Shiloh Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church and OASIS in New Rochelle.
“As a community, it is important that we collect as many donations as possible to help out local families and to ensure a memorable Thanksgiving for those who would otherwise go without,” said Ellen Lynch, Food Bank Executive Director. “Thanks to everyone who supports our holiday turkey drive, a huge burden is lifted off these families’ shoulders.”
She said the Food Bank is experiencing an unprecedented demand for its services. “The need is real. However, even though the campaign just started, it’s off to a good start. We have already brought in three truckloads of turkeys this year which is approximately 120,000 lbs.”
The need for more turkeys in part is a result of an increase in the number of Food Bank member agencies over the last year, and that more community and faith-based organizations are responding to the increased needs of their local communities. At the same time, the Food bank is servicing non-member agencies with its Kraft Mobile Food Pantry. The Mobile Pantry is a specialized 36-foot beverage-style truck that functions as a “market on wheels” for communities where residents do not have easy access to fresh vegetables, meat and dairy products.
“On Thanksgiving, most families sit down for a family feast. But there are thousands of people in our county who face a daily struggle to put just a little food on the table,” said Food Bank board chairman Rick Rakow. “The contributions we receive enable us to provide turkeys and all other ingredients for a nutritious holiday meal to help make it a happy Thanksgiving for all.”
Incorporated in 1988, the Food Bank for Westchester is one of eight regional food banks in New York State. It acquires, warehouses and distributes more than 7.2 million pounds of food annually to 265 frontline hunger-relief programs, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, day care and residential programs serving the estimated 200,000 Westchester residents who are hungry or at risk of being hungry. In 2013 the Food Bank served 6,204,101 meals to Westchester County residents. Based in Elmsford, NY, the Food Bank is located in a 37,000sf warehouse and is home to Westchester’s largest refrigerator and freezer.
To donate to the Food Bank for Westchester’s Turkey Drive, please visit www.foodbankforwestchester.org or text FB4W to 88500.