Forum Focuses on ‘Hidden Hunger’ in Westchester

BCW Executive VP and COO John Ravitz was among the panelists who participated in a special forum held Wednesday to raise awareness of the fact that some 200,000 residents in Westchester County don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Titled Hidden Hunger in Westchester, the forum, which was held at the Stop & Shop supermarket in downtown White Plains, focused on the how to close the meal gap and ultimately eradicate hunger within the county’s neighborhoods.

The program was moderated by Leslie Gordon, CEO/President of Food Bank for Westchester and Bob Yager, Senior Vice President and Division Lead of Stop & Shop New York Metro Division. Ravitz discussed how the business community can help raise awareness of this important issue. He noted that the BCW recently brought together BCW member Food Bank for Westchester and the City of Mount Vernon to create a new initiative for the delivery of free fresh produce to residents who are hungry. The first delivery attracted more than 1,000 residents. 

Other panelists included County Executive Robert P. Astorino; State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Assemblyman David Buchwald; White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach; County Commissioner of Social Services Kevin McGuire, and Dr. Mona Kennedy, Family Medicine Physician, NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Westchester.