County Executive Astorino donates to food driveFor hungry families in Westchester, summer is an especially critical time of year as food pantry and soup kitchen supplies run low. Support the county's food drive, June 22 and June 23.   

The number of households requesting assistance from the emergency feeding network at Food Bank has gone up 22 percent in the last year alone.  

To help address this demand, Westchester County government  is once again teaming up with many local organizations to host a two-day food drive at various locations throughout the county.

Many county facilities, libraries, town halls and businesses will have donation boxes available to accept canned and other non-perishable food. Donated food will then be distributed to 181 local organizations, like soup kitchens, shelters and food pantries, by our partner, Food Bank for Westchester or directly to a local food agency.

The list of participating locations is growing.  Download the list to view and print. All participating locations will accept your donations on June 22 and 23.

If you are someone who needs help paying for food, you may qualify for food stamps and other benefits. Go to the Westchester County Department of Social Services to see if you qualify. You can find a local pantry or soup kitchen near you by viewing the Food Bank agency directory or calling the Food Bank at (914) 923-1100.

Municipalities or businesses wanting to organize their own food drive or anyone wanting more information about the county’s effort can contact Wasi Talib by phone at (914) 995-6355 or by e-mail at .

The most needed food items include the following:

 Cereals: hot or cold (corn flakes, frosted flakes, fruit loops, oat meal, grits)

• Meats and high protein groups

  • Canned meats: spam, ham, meat spread, beef stew, chicken, and corned beef
  • Canned fish: tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel
  • Canned or dry beans: kidney, lentils, butter beans, great northern, lima
  • Canned soups: with beans, chicken, ham or beef
  • Peanut butter
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Canned ravioli
  • Canned spaghetti & meat balls

 Beverages

  • Drink mixes: iced tea, Kool Aid, Tang
  • 100 percent juices in plastic bottle or can
  • Milk: canned or powdered
  • Canned juices
  • Coffee or tea
  • Hot chocolate

 Fruits and vegetables

  • Canned fruits
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned spaghetti sauce
  • Dried fruits: raisins, apricots, prunes
  • Pasta and grains
  • Rice: rice mixes and plain rice

 Pasta: pasta mixes and plain pasta