Gov. Cuomo donates food in Hempstead

New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited the Kennedy Memorial Park Community Room in Hempstead on Nov. 27 to donate boxes of canned goods in time for Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is about gathering with family and friends and celebrating the spirit of giving with others, especially those less fortunate,” Gov. Cuomo said. “Today, I was pleased to be able to lend a hand at several community centers and food pantries with my daughter Cara to deliver Thanksgiving meals to New Yorkers in need.”

Donated meals were provided by Walmart, while 2,800 beverages such as juice and other drinks were donated by the food and beverage manufacturer, PepsiCo Inc. FreshDirect, a grocery delivery service, supplied 3,000 boxes to help with the transport and delivery of goods.

Gov. Cuomo urged residents to donate food to local food pantries and churches this holiday season.

“As we continue to enjoy this holiday season, I encourage New Yorkers who can to do their part by donating or volunteering at a local food bank or soup kitchen,” Gov. Cuomo said. “Together we can make the holidays a little brighter for our neighbors.”

Items in highest demand by emergency food providers include low-sodium canned meat, including chicken, turkey, tuna fish, canned chili with beans, lower sodium versions preferred, peanut butter and low sodium canned beans, canned vegetables such as corn, peas, carrots, green beans, white and sweet potatoes, canned fruit, 1 percent or fat free fluid milk, whole wheat pasta, cereal, rice and instant brown rice.