Yorktown, Food Security Task Force Organize Food Drive

YORKTOWN, NY — A holiday food drive, the first one organized by the Yorktown Town Board and the Yorktown Food Security Task Force, will address the rising number of people needing help from local food pantries.

The drive, with runs through Dec. 31, started at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace at 380 Downing Drive, with a collection box set up for shoppers who want to buy extra food items to donate.

Uncle Giuseppe’s donated $500 to the drive, and additional corporate donations include from ShopRite of Cortlandt, which will donate product to the drive. The White Plains law firm Bleakley Platt donated $500.

Town Supervisor Matt Slater said Uncle Giuseppe’s is making it easier for its customers to help others by hosting a collection box.

“In ordinary times, we see demand at food pantries increase around the holidays,” he said, “so with significant price hikes for basic foods like milk, eggs and meat, families in need are having a harder time.”

There are four food pantries operating in Yorktown, according to a spokesperson: First Presbyterian Church Food pantry, 2880 Crompond Rd.; Community Food pantry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1836 E. Main St.; Westchester Korean Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1243 White Hill Rd, and Yorktown Community Help, 1974 Commerce St.

Cindy Smith of St. Mary’s Food Pantry and co-chairwoman of the task force, said that her pantry service almost 300 families for Thanksgiving and expects to serve about 350 families for Christmas.

“On a weekly basis, we’re looking at over 200 families,” she said. “We really appreciate your help."