On December 14, CSEA members and Niagara County officials teamed up to deliver food donations to the Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry located in the City of Niagara Falls. Pictured front row: Suzanne Needler (CSEA); Peter Lopes (Niagara Co); Deputy Anthony Treis. Second row: Tony Restaino (Niagara Co); Sue Young (CSEA); Joe Provino (Niagara Co) and Brian Roggow (CSEA). Photo by Robert Mootry
Lockport—CSEA members from Niagara County are once again joining forces with government leaders this holiday season to launch a food drive to assist struggling families. Just recently, festively decorated containers and bins were placed in employee work areas throughout all Niagara County office buildings. CSEA leadership is encouraging county employees to donate nonperishable food items and canned goods to be delivered to area food banks and pantries in Niagara County in the coming days.
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 said, “CSEA workers deliver many valuable services to county residents. We know firsthand what is happening on the streets and in our homes. There is a real uptick in food insecurity and we wanted to do something about it.”
Suzanne Needler, a Principal Social Service Worker and an officer with CSEA, said food insecurity has always been an issue in Niagara County. “We hope this effort can make this holiday season a bit easier for those who need assistance.”
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.”
All items donated from this effort will be distributed to area families just before Christmas Day.
-Ove Overmyer
