Press Release: Senator Stewart-Cousins Presents ‘Corporate Award’ to Shoprite at 2014 Caucus Weekend

Albany, NY - Senator Stewart-Cousins presented Shoprite with the Corporate Award at the 2014 Annual New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, Asian Legislative Caucus Weekend Awards Ceremony in Albany last Saturday. Senator Stewart-Cousins, the Democratic Conference Leader of the State Senate, nominated Shoprite for their years of community work in Yonkers and throughout Westchester. Jerry Galella, manager of the Greenway Shoprite on Riverdale Avenue in Yonkers, accepted the award on the company’s behalf.

“Shoprite is an outstanding community partner,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Whether they are donating food to a community organization for an event, raising awareness about hunger, hosting fundraising walks for wounded veterans or promoting healthy eating, Shoprite is always looking for ways to help others. They are a great example of a socially responsible company and I was proud to nominate them – and present them with - the Corporate Award at Caucus Weekend 2014.”

“It was a great honor to receive this award for Shoprite from Senator Stewart-Cousins and the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. It is always nice to be recognized for the work we do around the community,” said Jerry Galella, manager of the Greenway Shoprite who accepted the award on Saturday.

Shoprite is involved in a long list of community organizations, projects and events throughout Westchester County. For example, Shoprite sponsors “Help Bag Hunger” events each fall where community leaders and dignitaries bag groceries at the check-out line of the local store to raise awareness about hunger and collect donations for the Food Bank of Westchester. Senator Stewart-Cousins has participated in this event for many years.

Shoprite also sponsors a “Walk for Wounded Veterans” in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project and Tower of Hope. The event happens each November at Tibbetts Park in Yonkers and raises money to train service dogs for severely wounded veterans. Senator Stewart-Cousins annually participates in this event as well.

Shoprite often collects donations at their cash registers to benefit local nonprofits including the Maria Ferari Children’s Hospital, Food Bank for Westchester and Westchester Disabled on the Move.

Around the holidays, the company donates turkeys and other food to needy families through community based organizations such as the Yonkers Family YMCA and the Yonkers YWCA. Shoprite also donates food to the annual Thanksgiving Senior Lunch sponsored by the Greenburgh Housing Authority.

Finally, Shoprite hosts “Health Awareness Days” throughout the year where they provide blood pressure screenings and promote healthy eating. Their stores have dieticians on staff to give advice to customers about healthy foods.

“Shoprite has not just invested in its stores here in Westchester, they have invested in the community. I value their willingness to be good neighbors and look forward to working with them in the years to come,” concluded Senator Stewart-Cousins.