Senator Mattera Partners With Island Harvest And PSEG Long Island To Help Long Islanders In Need

Senator Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District) is collaborating with Island Harvest and PSEG Long Island to assist in their Power To Feed Long Island Campaign, which they joined together with other elected officials to kick off recently.  Throughout the program, Senator Mattera’s office will serve as a collection spot to assist the Power To Feed program.

Residents who would like to donate food and non-perishables can drop the items off at Senator Mattera’s office at 180 East Main Street, Suite 210, in Smithtown.

The Power to Feed food drive, which also includes the efforts of King Kullen, Stew Leonard’s and Stop & Shop, comes in response to the demand of Long Islanders who are in need of food and helps to keep food on the shelves of local pantries and other programs during the summer months when food donations typically drop off.  This drop off is caused in part by the loss of school lunch and breakfast benefits for many children.  This causes distress to many families due the loss of these essential programs while school is out for the summer.

Island Harvest works hard to ensure that items in their programs are healthier and suggests that donations should include: canned products (tomatoes, tomato sauce, meat, fish or fruits), soups, peanut butter, pasta, cereals, dry milk, almond or soy milk, baby formula, spices, coffee, tea, personal care items, nutritional beverages (ex. Boost, Ensure) or personal hygiene items.

“In times of pressing need – whether a family is recuperating from the pandemic, has recently lost their job or the family paycheck is not covering the rising cost of food – it is clear we need to work together to make sure the food pantries are stocked and able to provide help,” said Senator Mattera.  “Thank you to Randi Shubin-Dressner, PSEG Long Island and all who are playing a role in this important campaign.  Together, we can help all who have been impacted by current conditions.”