In an effort to combat hunger for families struggling to make ends meet, United Way of Westchester and Putnam coordinated a Community Canned Food Drive in Westchester and Putnam counties. The drive collected more than 3,500 pounds, equal to over a ton and a half of shelf-stable foods, which were donated to local food pantries during National Canned Food Month.  

To achieve such a feat, the organization partnered with 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.  

Wegmans Food Markets donated $1,000 worth of canned food towards 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.”   

“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 & 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.” 

The libraries that participated include:  

WESTCHESTER  

Ardsley Public Library; Bedford Free Library, Briarcliff Manor Public Library, Eastchester Public Library, Greenburgh Public Library, Hendrick Hudson Free Library (Montrose); Irvington Public Library, Larchmont Public Library, Lewisboro Library, New Rochelle Public Library, North Castle Public Library, North White Plains Public Library, Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library, Pound Ridge Public Library, Ruth Keeler Library (North Salem), Somers Library, The Field Library (Peekskill), Town of Pelham Public Library, Tuckahoe Public Library, and Warner Library (Tarrytown). 

PUTNAM  

Brewster Public Library; Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library (Cold Spring); Mahopac Public Library; and Putnam Valley Free Library.