A "Good Foods" Thanksgiving Drive for Those in Need

The need for fresh, healthy food for low-income families is the driving force behind a new kind of food drive in Centerport, called the “The Good Foods Thanksgiving Food Collection,” organized by Peace and Plenty Outreach.

This Thanksgiving, the group aims to provide meals for up to 50 families who might otherwise go hungry on the holiday. However, unlike collecting boxed goods, which are often made with preservatives and unhealthy ingredients, Peace and Plenty is asking residents to donate nutritious, whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, turkeys and pies.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are a rarity for families who are food insecure; surviving on food stamps and charity pantries. Many non-perishable foods available through donations are of poor nutritional quality. We want to give out the same foods we’d serve our own families,” Anne Canadeo, co-founder and coordinator, of the organization said in a press release. 

Canadeo said that the idea behind the healthy Thanksgiving food drive was inspired by the documentary film, “A Place at the Table,” which was organized by Congressman Steve Israel and screened at Huntington’s Cinema Arts Center in Huntington Nov. 6.

“We hope to raise awareness of the nutritional inequality that exists in this very abundant country. As well as provide some families with quality foods for their Thanksgiving dinner,” she said.

Peace and Plenty Outreach was established in 2005 and distributes 9,000 meals a year to those in need. The program is based at the Congregational Church of Huntington in Centerport and funded by donations from the congregation.

The organization is seeking donations from individuals, and looking for groups to help with the collection. For more information, contact Anne Canadeo: acanadeo@aol.com, or call The Congregational Church of Huntington at 631-423-4004. 

How to help:

Donate root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes (sweet, white, red) onions, squash (butternut, acorn) turnips, cabbage and bags of cranberries, pears and apples from now until Nov. 25. 

Starting Nov. 20, residents are asked to donate Broccoli, cauliflower, string beans, kale, mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, clementines and oranges. Pies are needed as well. Home-baked, frozen or store bought.

Turkeys are also being collected, preferably frozen. A donation of $15-20 dollars will provide a delicious turkey for an entire family.  Please make checks payable to: Congregational Church of Huntington - P&P Outreach. Gift cards to supermarkets are also helpful: Stop N Shop, King Kullen, Pathmark, etc. 

Send or drop off donations at the Congregational Church of Huntington, 30 Washington Drive, Centperport Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. or on Nov. 18 and 25 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.