Leslie Gordon, CEO of Feeding Westchester (formerly known as Food Bank for Westchester) unveils sign with organization’s new name.
Organization says, ‘Feeding Westchester’ Better Reflects its Mission to End Hunger in Westchester
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (March 22, 2018) – Food Bank for Westchester today announced that it has changed its name to Feeding Westchester. The county’s leading nonprofit hunger-relief organization said it made this change to better communicate not just who they are, but what they do and who they serve.
“Our name is changing, but our mission, our work, and our board and staff remains the same,” said Leslie Gordon, President and CEO, adding that the organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Feeding Westchester’s mission is to end hunger in Westchester County. With that said, the new name reflects how the organization helps to “feed” Westchester residents. As the heart of a network of more than 300 partners, Feeding Westchester sources and distributes food, and other resources, to towns throughout Westchester.
Gordon continued, “We are Westchester’s largest hunger relief program and are responsible for 95 percent of food provided to those who are hungry in the county. We efficiently invest in storage infrastructure – like freezers, refrigerators and trucks – so that our agency partners don’t have to, freeing them to focus on serving our neighbors who are hungry. We also safely recover nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste – and we are truly committed to providing people with good, nutritious meals. We make feeding Westchester possible.”
Developed by national branding experts and supported by extensive research, the new brand strategy connects Feeding Westchester to the national fight against hunger.
“Through our network, we feed people who are hungry in every single town in Westchester. We tackle hunger from all angles,” Gordon said.
Despite its affluent reputation, Westchester nevertheless continues to face “hidden hunger” throughout the county. One in five people in Westchester are hungry – including 1 in 3 children. According to Gordon, Feeding Westchester is in the second year of its strategic plan, and already on track to reach its goal of distributing 10.5 million pounds of food annually by 2021 – which is the equivalent of 9.3 million meals.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank our supporters, staff and volunteers who have built and strengthened our organization over the years,” said Maria Bronzi, Feeding Westchester Board Chairperson. “Our name change is an exciting opportunity to better share the role we play in feeding Westchester.”
In announcing the new brand today, the organization received support from many elected officials.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Feeding Westchester is an excellent name for an organization that does just that. The work they do serves the often forgotten residents of our County who work hard to feed themselves and their families, and rely on the help this organization can provide. While the last 30 years were successful under their previous name, I look forward to seeing the great work yet to come.”
Chair of the Board of Legislators Ben Boykin said, “I am pleased to be joining the Food Bank of Westchester for this major announcement. The organization’s name now will be synonymous with its mission — Feeding Westchester. That’s important, because despite our great blessings, as many as 20 percent of Westchester residents go hungry — one out of every five of our friends and neighbors. Feeding Westchester is the driving force for getting food to organizations to sustain our residents and help alleviate hunger, and now everyone will know that by its name. I wish Feeding Westchester continued success as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, said: “The City of Yonkers has always been in complete support of Food Bank for Westchester’s mission. This name change is just another step in the right direction. The new name, Feeding Westchester, accurately describes the great work that they do as the leading hunger relief organization in the county, delivering 95 percent of the food that we see at soup kitchens, food pantries and other community agencies. We look forward to continuing to work with Feeding Westchester to bring an end to hunger in our neighborhoods.”
White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, added: “Feeding Westchester is such a valuable Westchester resource. The good work they do and the lives they positively impact every day are an asset to our community.”
To learn more about Feeding Westchester, please visit feedingwestchester.org or follow the organization on Facebook (@FeedingWestchester), Twitter (@FeedWestchester) and Instagram (@FeedingWestchester) and use hashtag #FeedingWestchester.
About Feeding Westchester
For 30 years, Feeding Westchester, formerly known as Food Bank for Westchester, has been the heart of a network of more than 300 partners that provide food directly to the 200,000 county residents who are struggling with hunger. The county’s leading nonprofit hunger-relief organization sources and distributes 95 percent of nutritious food, and other resources, to towns throughout Westchester through soup kitchens, shelters and daycare and residential programs, delivering over 8.4 million pounds of food and 7.5 million meals to people. Westchester’s collaboration with major retailers and corporations, and its expertise in food procurement, storage, and distribution, turns every monetary donation into fresh food provided for our community.
This press release was supplied to IntoxiKate.com.
