FOODLINK AND THE ROCHESTER RED WINGS HOST COUNTY-WIDE FOOD DONATION DRIVE

Rochester, NY – County Executive Adam Bello, Mayor Malik Evans, Congressman Joe Morelle and the Rochester Red Wings have teamed up to sponsor a food donation drive on Saturday, November 8 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Innovative Field. Donated items will go directly to Foodlink, which, as the region’s food bank, will distribute the products to food pantries and other non-profit organizations that serve food-insecure individuals, especially those affected by the delay in SNAP benefits.

“While it continues to be outrageous that the Trump administration holds food assistance hostage during the shutdown, real people are hurting, and we know there are many in this community who want to help,” said County Executive Bello. “Thanks to my governmental partners and the Rochester Red Wings, we are providing an opportunity for Monroe County residents to help their neighbors in need, and support Foodlink, which is doing outstanding work during this crisis.”

“I am proud to work with my partners in government and with Foodlink as we face continued threats to the most basic of human needs,” said Mayor Evans. “And I know I can count on the people of Rochester to Stand Roc Solid in support of their neighbors. Hunger is not just an urban problem, it affects suburban and rural communities too. We can face this challenge together with generosity and compassion – I urge people to participate in this weekend’s food drive.”

“Here in Monroe County, in times of crisis we stand together to make sure no family is left behind. The Trump administration is weaponizing hunger in their political games, but we won’t sit quietly while our neighbors go hungry,” said Congressman Morelle. “I’m grateful to County Executive Bello, Mayor Evans, and the team at Foodlink for organizing this donation drive and coming together to support families in our community.”

"Addressing the SNAP Crisis — a harmful delay in benefits impacting more than 100,000 of our neighbors — requires a community-wide response," said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink. "Foodlink is mobilizing to ensure the emergency food system is prepared for a surge in need, and we are grateful for Monroe County, all of our community partners, and all of the individual donations that will help alleviate this sudden spike in food insecurity."

Those who wish to donate are asked to use the Oak Street entrance to Lot D, the parking lot just north of Innovative Field (see map below), where County and City staff and volunteers will assist them. Individuals are also asked to focus their donations on items of greatest use to Foodlink and its member agencies: healthy, non-perishable items such as canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter, canned fruit and vegetables, and whole grain pasta and grains. Baby care, personal hygiene and cleaning products are also welcome. Donors are asked to avoid contributing perishable products, home-made goods, sugary foods, or clothing and toys.

More information on the food donation drive and the SNAP program is available on the Monroe County website, www.monroecounty.gov.