PSEG Long Island and Island Harvest Food Bank are asking West Hempstead residents to help stock local food pantries during the summer months by donating food and household essentials at the sixth annual Power to Feed Long Island food drive on Aug. 21.
The collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stop & Shop, 50 Cherry Valley Ave., where residents can either drop off donations or use a drive-through collection option. Community members who make a donation will receive free LED light bulbs and reusable shopping bags while supplies last.
Organizers say the summer is one of the most challenging times of the year for food banks because donations typically decline even as many Long Islanders continue to struggle with food insecurity.
Island Harvest is requesting donations of nonperishable foods, including canned vegetables, beans, soups, pasta, rice, tuna and peanut butter, along with household essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent and dish soap. Personal care items, baby supplies, pet food and monetary donations are also being accepted. According to Island Harvest, every dollar donated can provide the equivalent of two meals.
Information about PSEG Long Island’s customer financial assistance programs will also be available during the event.
Residents who cannot attend the West Hempstead collection will have additional opportunities to donate at Stop & Shop locations in Woodbury on Sept. 18 and West Babylon on Sept. 25.
Organizers encourage residents to donate what they can to help ensure food remains available for neighbors.
