With schools across Long Island closed indefinitely due to the spread of the coronavirus, Jovia Financial Credit Union and Island Harvest Food Bank, a local organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity, are teaming up to bring meal kits to hundreds of home-bound families dependent on the daily meals provided by the schools.
Jovia’s $10,000 donation will initially target 30 school districts in Nassau and Suffolk counties, where approximately 400 families will be given meal kits that contain enough food for a family of four, for three to four days.
“This pandemic has put us in a dire situation, as we work to replenish our food supply to Long Islanders struggling to put food on their tables. Jovia’s generous donation will enable us to continue to provide much-needed food throughout the community,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Jovia in addressing hunger and food insecurity on Long Island and appreciate their caring and generosity.”
Jovia, with headquarters in Westbury, and a branch network of 19 offices stretching throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, has long been committed to supporting and enriching the towns and villages in which it serves. The credit union sponsors a number of community and family events and programs throughout the year for the benefit of families and residents of Long Island.
By providing for area schoolchildren, Jovia is continuing its strong connection to education on the island. The credit union’s educational roots run deep, dating back to more than 80 years ago when it was founded by a small group of educators in Valley Stream. In addition to this new program of providing meals to home-bound students, Jovia is deeply involved in assisting area schools and its students through myriad programs, including its annual teacher grants and scholarship programs and its various partnerships with area universities.
“During these trying times, we cannot lose sight of those who are most in need of care,” said Renu Dalessandro, chief marketing officer at Jovia. “Especially given the fact that our history is so tightly connected to education, and that so much of what we do centers around improving and benefiting schools and schoolchildren, we feel so strongly about participating in this program with Island Harvest. It’s an honor to be able to assist them in the tremendous work they do on a daily basis.”