This
week it was my great pleasure to participate in the annual kick-off of
ShopRite’s Partners in Caring program. This hunger-fighting initiative
brings attention to the needs in our community and
works to meet those needs through donations of both food and money.
Since the program was founded in 1999, ShopRite Partners in Caring has
donated $27 million to more than 1,700 charities in their six state
coverage area. We are very fortunate that the Orange
County Veterans Food Pantry is a beneficiary of ShopRite’s generosity –
as are the 186 veterans and veteran families that are served by our food
pantry.
To bring
attention to the issue of hunger that is, unfortunately, very real and
very present even here in our beautiful County, I joined with other
elected officials at the Chester ShopRite to bag
groceries for store patrons. As we packed groceries, store personnel and
volunteers had the opportunity to discuss with shoppers the reason for
us being there. What we are experiencing at the Veterans Food Pantry was
echoed by the volunteers on hand from the
Greenwood Lake Food Pantry and the Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry – those
requiring assistance to meet their food needs continues to increase.
September
is Hunger Action Month. According to the non-profit organization,
Feeding America, more than 50 million people in America face hunger –
that’s 1 in 6 of the U.S. population and more than
1 in 5 children. If you are able to help with donations of food, money,
or manpower, please contact a food pantry in your community. The Orange
County Veterans Food Pantry can be reached by contacting Veterans
Affairs Director Tony Zippo at 291-2464.
Director
Zippo was recently honored by Jewish Family Service for his commitment
to the people of Orange County. He was a recipient of the Star Award at
their annual Light Up Our Lives and 28th
anniversary dinner. Keep up the great work Tony! Also honored were Anita
Manley, Flo Hannes, and Greater Middletown Interfaith Council.
Congratulations to all!
September
also marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from
September 15 to October 15. The day of September 15 is significant
because it is the anniversary of independence
for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their
independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also,
Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12,
falls within this 30 day period.
Here in
Orange County, we are proud to recognize our Hispanic Heritage which has
and continues to contribute greatly to the fabric of our community. The
history, culture, food, music, traditions,
language, and more have helped shape and influence our County. Among
those of Hispanic descent who once called Orange County home was the
first president of Cuba, Tomas Estrada Palma, who lived in a home on
Route 32 in Central Valley.
Finally,
best wishes for a Happy New Year to Orange County’s Jewish residents and
friends. L’shanah Tovah! May your year be healthy and happy.
Until next week,
