Borough President Vito Fossella, District Attorney Michael McMahon Team Up To Support Bread Of Life Food Drive

Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon to support the 31st annual University of Notre Dame Bread of Life Food Drive during a press conference in Borough Hall yesterday.

This year's Bread of Life catchphrase "Fight Hunger, Not Each Other" gives students an extracurricular outlet and opportunity to contribute to the community in light of recent violence in schools. Students in both public and private schools collect food for the drive. At the end of the drive, the food collected will be distributed to 25 non-profit organizations on Staten Island that serve individuals and families in need of food.

“The Bread of Life Food Drive is a Staten Island tradition that helps foster the good that we all find within the students of our local schools,” said Borough President Fossella. “There has always been a common theme with the Bread of Life Food Drive. It highlights the importance of working together for the greater good, helping so many Staten Islanders who experience food insecurity."

In his remarks, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon addressed the theme.

“This year’s theme, 'Fight Hunger, Not Each Other,' encourages Staten Island students from all backgrounds to unite under the common cause of ending hunger by working together," said District Attorney McMahon. "Just as importantly we are helping our students understand the hurt that violence against each other can cause, and that there are better, peaceful ways to resolve disagreements."

Bread of Life Executive Director Joseph Delaney thanked Borough President Fossella and District Attorney McMahon for their participation.

“The leadership of these two distinguished public officials can only serve to inspire our students to join together in a common cause that will lead to a greater unity of our young people, as they become a significant force for good within our schools and throughout the Staten Island community for years to come," Delaney said.

He also praised the students who have participated in the Bread of Life Food Drive for the past 30 years.

"For 30 years, all the students and the teachers that have gone through school on Staten Island are here helping us provide food for 25 non-profit organizations that serve people in need right here on Staten Island," he said. "Everything we collect here stays on Staten Island."

Since its inception, the Bread of Life Food Drive has collected and distributed more than two million food items. This year, participating schools will collect non-perishable items between March 28 and April 9. The food will then be boxed at Monsignor Farrell High School and delivered to the recipient organizations.