Greenwich Hospital Makes Large Donation To Community Food Banks

GREENWICH, CT — Last week, Greenwich Hospital donated "thousands of pounds of food" to two community food banks: Neighbor to Neighbor in Greenwich and Caritas of Port Chester in New York.

In a statement, the hospital said the donation was made to say thank you for the generosity shown by the community over the past few months, as the hospital grappled with the coronavirus.

During this time, residents and business owners came together to deliver 17,000 meals to healthcare workers, hospital officials said. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"The community response to the public health crisis has been incredible and heartwarming," CEO Norman Roth said in a statement. "This food donation is our way of thanking the community for supporting our healthcare workers during this unprecedented time. We will never forget their acts of kindness and generosity."

The food drive was organized by the Greenwich Hospital Diversity and Inclusion Council, officials said. All food was donated by thankful hospital employees.

Margaret Goldberg, Neighbor to Neighbor's executive director, said the food bank was fortunate to be part of an "amazingly thoughtful" community like Greenwich.

"We continue our good work knowing we are a catalyst for neighbors to help one another," Goldberg said in a statement. "The record number of unemployed and underemployed, those working but barely able to make ends meet, and families facing financial crisis for the first time – all need Neighbor to Neighbor to help feed their families and maintain a basic quality of life that assures their dignity and respect. Greenwich Hospital is a vital partner to the health and well-being of the Greenwich community, and we are grateful."

According to Patricia Hart, treasurer of the Caritas board of directors, demand for food has grown substantially over the past few months.

"The number of unemployed, underemployed and those sheltering in place have swelled the ranks of those who were already experiencing food insecurity," Hart said in a statement.

While Caritas typically provides 4,000 meals a month at its community dining room, and supplies groceries, meat and fresh produce to nearly 400 families through its pantry, the food bank more than doubled that amount and distributed 12,000 meals in June alone, according to hospital officials.

"This food drive donation will be used immediately to fill the hundreds of grocery bags and prepared meals we deliver to homes every week," Hart said. "Community support is always essential, but during these difficult times, this donation from Greenwich Hospital employees is a visible and tangible sign of concern and care for our neighbors in need."