LONG ISLAND, NY - Fresh produce is still hard to come by for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Hardy vegetables such as potatoes are convenient during these times, and Bushwick Potato Commission recognizes the need. The commission recently donated approximately 30,000 pounds of New York State-grown potatoes to Island Harvest Food Bank to help provide food to Long Islanders affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“As a family-owned and operated company for four generations, we are proud to be able to give back when Long Islanders need it most,” said Ken Gray, VP of Sales and Marketing, Bushwick Potato Commission. “Our entire Bushwick family understands the importance of lending a helping hand during this difficult time. We will all get through this by working together!”
Since the beginning of March, Island Harvest Food Bank has distributed more than one million pounds of food at more than 330 sites across Nassau and Suffolk counties to address the increasing problem of food insecurity caused by the unprecedented public health crisis.
Bushwick Potato has been working with local growers to supply its supermarket and foodservice customers for more than 85 years.
“We are grateful to the Bushwick Potato Commission for their incredibly generous donation, which will help people across Long Island struggling to feed their families because of the economic havoc created by the pandemic,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President and CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “It’s good to know we have such a valued partner working with us to make sure that no one on Long Island goes hungry.”
New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern was on hand, along with representatives from Bushwick Potato Commission, to help offload the potatoes at Island Harvest Food Bank’s Hauppauge Distribution Center on Friday, April 17, 2020.
“During this time of unprecedented challenge and urgent need in our community, I was pleased to join with Bushwick Potato Commission to donate thousands of pounds of produce to Island Harvest Food Bank,” Assemblyman Stern said. “I encourage all who need assistance to contact Island Harvest and also ask our neighbors for donations to ensure that no families go hungry during this COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to a press release, the food bank is also providing Long Island residents with additional resources, including applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other benefits and referrals.
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