November 15, 2006

Suozzi Urges Nassau Residents to Donate Food to Pantries and Charities

-- Food Pantries Reporting Shortages Seek Donations in Time for Thanksgiving

Mineola, N.Y. - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today urged Nassau’s residents to donate food to charities and food pantries - many of which are nearly empty just a week before Thanksgiving.

Rising fuel prices and stagnant wages have increased the number of needy households on Long Island and across the country, according to a survey by America’s Second Harvest, a national food bank agency. Here in Nassau County, some 26,900 people - or, 16,600 households - currently rely on food stamps to cover their grocery bills.

“We are one of the wealthiest counties in the nation; no one should go hungry,” Suozzi said. “In the spirit of the holidays, I urge our residents to open their hearts - and their wallets and cupboards - and give whatever they can. The county works with 73 food pantries, each of which desperately needs donations. Or, give to the charity of your choice. Either way, I ask that you not forget the neediest.”

Suozzi commended Robert Jesberger, owner of Mid-Island Collision in Rockville Centre, for donating $10,000 to Catholic Charities on Wednesday, to buy turkeys for 2,000 families in need this Thanksgiving. “This generous gift will allow 8,000 people, who otherwise would have gone hungry, to celebrate Thanksgiving.”