PSEG Long Island, Island Harvest Food Bank and Stop & Shop are again joining forces to kick off PSEG Long Island’s second annual Power to Feed Long Island food collection campaign. The initiative was created in 2021 to stock shelves at local food pantries through Island Harvest Food Bank.
The kickoff event was held today at the Massapequa Stop & Shop, 702 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY 11758 at 11 a.m.
Power to Feed Long Island aims to collect the equivalent of 30,000 meals during July, August and September. The initiative creates a venue for members of the community to donate food and non-perishable items at six collection drives at six different Stop & Shop locations across Long Island.
This year’s 30,000-meal goal is significant as this is Island Harvest’s 30th anniversary year. Last year, thanks to the generosity of Long Islanders, the equivalent of nearly 22,000 meals was collected – 1,000 meals more than the 21,000-meal goal for 2021.
Hundreds of thousands of Long Island families struggle with hunger and food insecurity throughout the year. During the summer months, there is a significant reduction in food donations to local food banks, pantries and programs. Compounding the issue, children are not in school where they can receive free and reduced-cost breakfast and lunch. In addition, the pandemic and increased inflation rate have further strained local food pantries and emergency feeding programs served by Island Harvest.