Food donation to feed hundreds of Connecticut and New York families

During the height of Connecticut’s coronavirus pandemic, a generous community supported Greenwich Hospital as residents and business owners came together to deliver 17,000 meals to healthcare workers. 

Now it’s Greenwich Hospital’s turn to give back.

On Wednesday, Greenwich Hospital donated thousands of pounds of food to two community food banks: Neighbor to Neighbor in Greenwich and Caritas of Port Chester in New York. The food drive was organized by the Greenwich Hospital Diversity and Inclusion Council and all the food was donated by thankful hospital employees.

“The community response to the public health crisis has been incredible and heartwarming,” said Norman Roth, Greenwich Hospital’s chief executive officer. “This food donation is our way of thanking the community for supporting our healthcare workers during this unprecedented time. We will never forget their acts of kindness and generosity.”

“We are fortunate to be a part of an amazingly thoughtful community,” said Margaret Goldberg, Neighbor to Neighbor executive director. “We continue our good work knowing we are a catalyst for neighbors to help one another. The record number of unemployed and underemployed, those working but barely able to make ends meet, and families facing financial crisis for the first time – all need Neighbor to Neighbor to help feed their families and maintain a basic quality of life that assures their dignity and respect. Greenwich Hospital is a vital partner to the health and well-being of the Greenwich community and we are grateful.”

Demand for food has grown ten-fold since the start of the pandemic, said Patricia Hart, treasurer of the Caritas board of directors. “The number of unemployed, underemployed and those sheltering in place have swelled the ranks of those who were already experiencing food insecurity,” she said. Caritas typically provides 4,000 meals a month at its community dining room and supplies groceries, meat and fresh produce to nearly 400 families through its pantry. In contrast, Caritas distributed 12,000 meals in June.

“This food drive donation will be used immediately to fill the hundreds of grocery bags and prepared meals we deliver to homes every week,” Hart said. “Community support is always essential. But during these difficult times, this donation from Greenwich Hospital employees is a visible and tangible sign of concern and care for our neighbors in need.”

Caption: Greenwich Hospital donated thousands of pounds of food to Neighbor to Neighbor in Greenwich and Caritas of Port Chester in New York. Pictured here with the food donation (l-r): Marc Kosak, SVP, Operations, Greenwich Hospital; Margaret Goldberg, executive director, Neighbor to Neighbor; Norman Roth, CEO, Greenwich Hospital; Patricia Hart, treasurer, Caritas of Port Chester; Duncan Lawson, operations coordinator, Neighbor to Neighbor; Diane Kelly, President, Greenwich Hospital; and Anna Cerra, SVP, Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer, Greenwich Hospital.