United Way Launches Food Drive at area Libraries in February

United Way of Westchester and Putnam and the Westchester Library System are partnering again this year, for the second annual canned food drive during the month of February!

In honor of National Canned Food Month in February, United Way and the Westchester Library System are collecting canned goods to donate to Feeding Westchester, which will be distributed among many food pantries across Westchester County.

National Canned Food Month highlights the convenience and long shelf life of canned goods, which provide essential nutrients when fresh produce is not always accessible. Contrary to the myth that canned foods are unhealthy, they often offer similar nutritional value to fresh and frozen options. In Westchester and Putnam Counties, food insecurity is a growing issue, with around 40% of households falling in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold and struggling to make ends meet. Even small donations can make a big impact in ensuring everyone has access to nutritious meals.

Last year, an incredible 3,600 pounds of food were donated through the drive, making a tremendous impact on those in need. This year, we can do even better.

Come together to support those struggling with hunger in our community! Your contributions will make a difference for countless individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Donate canned goods at your local library from Saturday, February 1st to Saturday, February 22nd. The libraries participating are:

• Chappaqua Library
• Greenburgh Public Library
• Harrison Public Library
• Harrison - West Harrison Branch Library
• Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library
• Hendrick Hudson Free Library (Montrose)
• John C. Hart Memorial Library (Yorktown)
• Lewisboro Library
• Mamaroneck Public Library District
• Mount Kisco Public Library
• Mount Pleasant Public Library
• Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library
• Pound Ridge Library
• Somers Library
• The Field Library
• Town of Pelham
• Tuckahoe Public Library
• White Plains Public Library
• Westchester Library System

The items that can be donated are:

• Canned Vegetables: Corn, green beans, peas, carrots, mixed vegetables, etc.

• Canned Fruits: Peaches, pears, pineapple, mixed fruit, applesauce, etc.

• Canned Proteins: Fish, beef, poultry, pork, spam, beans

• Canned Sauces, Soups, Stews: Tomato sauce, chicken noodle soup, beef stew, vegetable soup, etc.

• Canned Meals: Ravioli, spaghetti, chili, canned pasta, and other ready-to-eat meals
• Canned Pet Food

• Other Non-Perishable Items: Rice, pasta, grains (quinoa, oatmeal, couscous, cereal), dried beans(kidney, pinto, black, lentils), cereal, peanut butter or other nut butters (good sources of protein), Olive oil and other healthy oils in plastic bottles, Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, salt, pepper, spices), Baby food (jars/cereal), powdered formula, Shelf Stable milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, powdered milk, and Juices/boxes

Please be mindful that we cannot accept the following:

• Anything that may make others sick (e.g.: fresh produce, dairy, etc.)

• Glass containers

• Expired or open/damaged packaging

• Leftovers, cooked foods, and used items.

This drive is a partnership amongst the following organizations: Feeding Westchester, St John’s Pantry in Mahopac, Brewster Community Food Pantry, Brewster Public Library, Mahopac Public Library, and the Westchester Library System.

“Feeding Westchester is always excited for opportunities to collaborate with valued partners like United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and the Westchester Library System,” said Karen C. Erren, President & CEO of Feeding Westchester. “Last year, this drive collected more than 3,500 pounds of shelf-stable, nutritious food that was all distributed to local food pantries. We hope to raise that number this year to benefit hardworking neighbors who struggle to put food on their tables.”

“Unfortunately, hunger and economic challenges are part of daily life for many in Westchester. Partnering together, the United Way of Westchester and Putnam and the Westchester Library System are able to extend our collaborative reach to help individuals and families meet basic needs. We are grateful for this opportunity to help our communities grow stronger.” said Terry Kirchner, Executive Director of Westchester Library System

United Way of Westchester and Putnam strives to improve the lives of 40% of our neighbors who live in poverty or paycheck to paycheck. These are often hardworking families struggling to make ends meet and provide a better life for their children. United Way of Westchester and Putnam mobilizes strategic partnerships and leverages resources to create a more equitable community by advancing education, financial stability, and health initiatives.