Westchester County Office for Women Holds Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Food Share Program for Domestic Violence Victims
The Westchester County Office for Women (OFW), in collaboration with New Dawn Family Resource Center of Pound Ridge and advocacy agencies from across the County, assembled close to 400 Thanksgiving grocery bags for food insecure families; primarily those affected by domestic violence. The bags contained a full course Thanksgiving meal — a fresh turkey with all the fixings and a seasonal pie for dessert. The Market at Pound Ridge Square was the scene of the assembly and provided all the elements of the meal, many of which they generously donated or discounted.
The program was funded by anonymous contributions of $30,000 to New Dawn and $20,000 in Community-Based Organization (CBO) funds from the Westchester County Board of Legislators. This funding will also support a Christmas Food Share program in December.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We know that in Westchester County there are many people who suffer from food insecurity, and with tremendous loss of SNAP dollars from the Federal government, there are now even more. The County has stepped up by infusing Feeding Westchester with more dollars but we need programs like these to close the gap. Thank you to all the collaborators who made this happen and are bringing some comfort to those who need it most this holiday season.”
Westchester County Office for Women Director Robi Schlaff said: “Our holiday food share program has been an important part of supporting families impacted by domestic violence since 2020, but this year, with the cessation of SNAP benefits, it is critical. Families have gone from food insecure to no food at all and our food pantries are overwhelmed. We are so grateful for the private donations and County funds to New Dawn and the generosity of The Market at Pound Ridge, which make the supplies possible, and to our OFW staff and partner agencies who willingly work to get these bags ready and delivered to those in need.”
Westchester County Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT) Director David M. Ryan said: “Right now, there is a tremendous need. I received requests for over 2000 turkeys and grocery bags and was able to connect to various food pantries and other resources beyond what we could provide. I am hopeful that everyone we reached out to has met their needs. It truly takes a village. Every victim should enjoy a hearty, healthy and delicious Thanksgiving meal for themselves and their family as they move forward on their pathway towards healing and peace.”
Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce said: “It is important to remember our families who are experiencing domestic violence in this holiday season. These families have been through so much, and often continue to suffer financially. I was happy to have been on hand to help prepare the Thanksgiving packages, but also to provide $20,000 in County funding to New Dawn to help support this effort. Being able to help provide food and other resources to these families, particularly at this time of year, means so much.”