Yorktown Launches Holiday Food Drive
(December 12, 2022) – The Town Board and the Yorktown Food Security Task Force launched its first holiday food drive Friday to address rising numbers of people needing help from local food pantries.
The drive began at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace at 380 Downing Drive, where a collection box is set up for shoppers who want to buy extra food items to donate. The drive runs through December 31.
Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace donated $500 to the drive. Additional corporate donations include ShopRite of Cortlandt, which will donate product to the drive. The law firm Bleakley Platt in White Plains donated $500.
“In ordinary times we see demand at food pantries increase around the holidays, so with significant price hikes for basic foods like milk, eggs and meat, families in need are having a harder time,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace is making it easier for its customers to help others by hosting a collection box.”
Nationwide, food prices rose significantly in the past year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, grocery and supermarket prices were 12.4 percent higher in October compared with October 2021.
“This is a great initiative and we’re honored as Uncle Giuseppe’s to help do our part,” said Derek Asplint, manager at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace.
Four food pantries operate in Yorktown. The First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry at 2880 Crompond Road; the Community Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 1836 E. Main Street; the Westchester Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church at 1243 White Hill Road; and Yorktown Community Help at 1974 Commerce Street.
“This is a community partnership that has come together to help our food pantries deliver the foods that are needed for this holiday season,” said deputy Supervisor Tom Diana. “This is what Yorktown is about, folks. We have the greatest town in Westchester. The people are so generous.”
Cindy Smith of St. Mary’s Food Pantry and co-chair of the task force said that her pantry served almost 300 families for Thanksgiving. St. Mary’s Food Pantry expects to serve about 350 families for Christmas.
“On a weekly basis, we’re looking at over 200 families. We really appreciate your help,” said Smith.
Photo caption: Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace manager Derek Asplint hands a $500 donation from the store to Cindy Smith, co-chair of the Yorktown Food Security Task Force for its holiday drive. Photo courtesy of Town of Yorktown.
Contact: Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201 or mslater@yorktownny.org
