Westchester Organization Coming Together To Give People HOPE 

Julia Ecker

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted people of all nations, races, backgrounds, and lives. One residual effect of the pandemic has been the multitude of jobs lost, with as many as 8 million in the U.S. As a result, food insecurity in American families has increased exponentially in the past year. 

In Westchester county, food insecurity has definitely increased. As such, local organizations have been working hard to support our community.

Walter Ritz is the Executive Director of HOPE Community Services, a New Rochelle based organization whose mission, as stated on its website, is to “respond to hunger in the community, supply clothing, language skills, emotional and immigrational support.” 

A recent email from HOPE stated that food distribution for 2020 was higher than the past ten years. Mr. Ritz explained, “HOPE has been able to rally support from the community, volunteers, and partner organizations to meet the increased demand. We have converted to an assembly-like operation in order to be able to produce enough food for our community.  Our mission has never been more important than it is now.” Furthermore, with an increase in demand, Mr. Ritz reported that New Rochelle and other community partners have come together to hold food, coat, and toy drives. HOPE has not had to turn anyone away due to limited resources.

HOPE has not seen a decrease in demands or any numbers even relatively close to pre-Covid demands, and Mr. Ritz explained, “We don’t expect to return to pre-Covid numbers anytime soon.  That is why we have been continuing to push for more monetary and food donations.”

Throughout this time, HOPE has been working to meet other needs in the community, such as housing for the homeless, child hunger and the need for backpacks. 

HOPE is always looking for more help! This incredible program has bettered Westchester for over 35 years now. You can go to hopecommunityservices.org for more information.

Their food pantry is open bi-monthly, and schedules are available on their website.