Food Insecurity Initiatives: Staten Island Kiwanis Club Launches Holiday Drive

Staten Islanders are uniting to combat food insecurity this holiday season through the inaugural food drive initiated by the Verrazano Kiwanis Club. This drive is in collaboration with Dapper Cats Barber Shop and the 122nd Precinct Community Council, providing multiple avenues for residents to donate non-perishable food items.

According to the Staten Island Advance, donations can include a variety of essential items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and baking mixes. Additionally, condiments, salad dressings, cooking oils, coffee, and snacks are also encouraged.

To facilitate donations, an Amazon wishlist has been created featuring pantry staples like Del Monte canned vegetables and Betty Crocker mashed potatoes. Community members are already responding positively, with several wishlist items already fulfilled, showcasing strong local support for the initiative.

Dapper Cats is offering a ten percent discount on haircuts for customers who bring food donations, incentivizing participation. Donations can be dropped off at three designated locations: Dapper Cats Barber Shop on Hylan Boulevard, a residential collection point on Hylan Boulevard, and A List Janitorial Supplies on Industrial Loop.

For further inquiries, residents can contact Chris Hayens at the provided number. This initiative not only aims to alleviate hunger during the holiday season but also promotes community togetherness and public health, emphasizing that no family should go hungry during this time, as stated in the report.