Fr. Scafaldi emphasized this is a nondenominational effort
NEWBURGH – Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, partnering with ShopRite Supermarkets, Tuesday announced the launch of the “Feeding Our Neighbors” campaign. The statewide food drive aims to deliver one million meals to New Yorkers in need. A total of 26 ShopRite locations will be collecting donations at their registers, asking patrons to donate either money, canned, boxed, or nonperishable food items to be distributed at Catholic churches and food pantries across the state.
Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities, said
while in Newburgh that the time after the holidays is critical to replenish
food pantries that have run low on stock after the holiday season.
“There are about 927,000 children who go to bed, at times, without a sufficient meal,” said Monsignor Sullivan. “So, in the times of January, February and March, after the holidays, the food pantries that a lot of those families, with those children, rely on are depleted; there’s not enough food there. So, this campaign was begun to do our part to provide additional meals for hungry neighbors throughout New York.”
ShopRite has worked with charitable organizations in the Hudson Valley before for food drives and veteran’s services. Tom Urtz, vice president of Operations ShopRite, said the chain wants to make a point that supporting the local communities in which their patrons reside, is not only important but, is an obligation for them. “This is a way for us to give back to the local community, to allow the great partnership of ShopRite, with the Archdiocese, to raise awareness and funds about hunger. I think it’s important; we have a moral obligation to raise awareness, we have a moral obligation to give back to our community,” said Urtz.
Father Bill Scafidi of St. Mary’s Parish in Newburgh where the announcement was made also wanted to make clear that the drive is nondenominational. Although the church locations for receiving food through the program are Catholic churches, anyone in need is encouraged to seek out meals and no one will be turned away. Shop Rite will be accepting donations at the registers from January 25th through February 7th and patrons are encouraged to donate what they can.
