CSEA Niagara County employees will be collecting food items for the area’s most food insecure families. Donations will be delivered after Dec. 22.
Lockport—CSEA members from Niagara County are joining forces with government leaders this holiday season to launch a food drive to assist struggling families. Beginning December 7, festively decorated containers and bins will be placed in employee work areas throughout all Niagara County office buildings. CSEA leadership is requesting county employees donate nonperishable food items and canned goods to be delivered to area food banks and pantries in Niagara County just before the holiday.
According to the USDA, in 2016 41.2 million people lived in food-insecure households while 10.8 million adults lived in households with very low food security. These statistics include the grim reminder that 6.5 million children lived in food-insecure households in which children, along with adults, were food insecure.
Sue Young, CSEA President for the Niagara County Unit, said the concept of starting a December food drive was initiated from community members sharing their stories of food insecurity with county workers.
Young told the Work Force, “CSEA workers deliver many valued services to county residents. We know firsthand what is happening on the streets and in our homes. We have seen a real uptick in food insecurity and we wanted to address these concerns for our most vulnerable residents.”
CSEA Western Region Director Robert Mootry praised the effort.
“It’s gratifying to see our members partnering with management and elected officials focusing on matters of real importance,” said Mootry. “I applaud our CSEA members for their genuine concern for Niagara County families who may be struggling to make ends meet this holiday season.”
Suzanne Needler, a Principal Social Service Worker and an officer with CSEA, said food insecurity has always been issue in Niagara County. “We hope this effort can make this holiday season a bit easier for those who need assistance.”
All items donated from this effort will be distributed to area food banks and pantries beginning December 22.
CSEA members and Niagara County employees Peter Bloomingdale and Angela Herd donate to the holiday food drive. Photo by Sue Young.
– Ove Overmyer
