How the Rotary Club is Combating Food Insecurity on Long Island: A Community Mission – Jericho News Journal

The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club saw a pressing need to combat food insecurity in their area. On May 17, they organized a food drive at Best Farms Market in Hicksville. Rotary Club members and volunteers set up shop outside the market, encouraging shoppers to donate non-perishable food items and toiletries.

The community response was fantastic; over 800 pounds of food and $360 in cash poured in. This cash helped buy gift cards for perishable items like milk, bread, and meat, which are crucial for families relying on these food pantries. The collected items and gift cards were donated to local organizations like Holy Family Church, Hicksville United Methodist Church, and Jericho Cares. Ridgewood Savings Bank also contributed $100 for gift cards.

“We are incredibly thankful to all the shoppers for helping us stock these food pantries,” said Donna Rivera-Downey, president of the Rotary Club. “The kindness of our community shows what we can achieve when we come together.”

This food drive was part of the larger 2025 Epic Day of Service, where 60 Rotary Clubs across Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties aimed to make a difference through community service. Such initiatives don’t just meet immediate needs; they also help raise awareness about food insecurity, an issue that affects 10.5% of U.S. households, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These events showcase the commitment of Rotarians to making a direct impact in their local communities.

The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club, established in 1951, is one of the first clubs in Hicksville. With around 1.2 million members globally, Rotary unites community leaders to tackle pressing humanitarian challenges, from local hunger to global health efforts like eradicating polio.

If you’re curious about joining the effort, the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club meets every Thursday at La Focaccia in Levittown. Discover more about Rotary by visiting Rotary.org.

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