(Yonkers, NY) —  New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins joined ShopRite of Greenway Plaza, the Yonkers Downtown BID, and community partners to distribute 100 Thanksgiving turkeys.

“This is our fourth year coming together to make sure that Thanksgiving is a little brighter for grandparents caring for their grandchildren, and for families who might otherwise go without,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “It’s my hope that these meals help Westchester families have a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.”

Tony Miles, manager of ShopRite of Greenway Plaza said, “ShopRite’s mission is to help stamp out hunger in our communities, and what better way to achieve that than partnering with Senator Stewart-Cousins. Thank you to everyone who helped with such a great cause.” 

Turkeys were provided directly at today’s event and through local organizations, including Family Service Society of Yonkers and Family Ties of Westchester Kinship Support Programs, the American Legion 1017 Samuel H. Dow Post, Theodore D. Young Community Center, the Dominican American Cultural Club of Yonkers, and St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow.

“This drive means so much to the families we serve who are raising grandchildren. Most of them have very low incomes and many deal with food insecurity,” said Carolyn Fluckinger, Family Service Society of Yonkers’ Kinship Support Program Director. “The extra food at Thanksgiving means a lot—it means that they will have an opportunity to have a Thanksgiving.” 

“The impact of food insecurity has been felt even more deeply this year, as families navigated the fallout from the federal government shutdown and delays in SNAP benefits,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “At a time when Washington was slow to act, local partners continue to step up to meet the needs of our community.”