
Beginning today, “Feeding Our Frontline” will provide grab & go meals to hospital staffs at Staten Island University Hospital (both the North and South campuses) and Richmond University Medical Center.
To kick off the program, the Borough President, the United Federation of Teachers, Community Television, and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce have donated over $15,000 to feed hospital staff, partnering with local restaurants and caterers who have stepped up to provide meals at $7 per meal. Each mealtime, 1,400 total meals will be served.
Additionally, the collaborative is making it possible for community partners and members of the community to contribute as well. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce will accept monetary donations for the meals on their website. Anyone who wishes may make a donation to help feed our dedicated hospital staff. The donations begin at a $35 contribution, which will feed five healthcare workers.
The United Federation of Teachers also has begun its own separate program, providing free meals three times a week to its 1,000 nurse members at Staten Island University South and NYU Brooklyn.
“What our nurses and front line healthcare workers are doing each day is nothing short of heroic. As we fight each day to get them the supplies they need, the least we can do is get them some food to eat at the hospital or maybe take home,” said Borough President Jim Oddo. “We are thrilled to partner with the Chamber, CTV, the UFT and local restaurants to meet this need.”
“The Chamber is privileged to take part in the Feeding Our Frontline initiative. This collective effort is a small gesture to show our appreciation for all the essential workers who are selflessly taking care of our community. At the same time, it also allows us to support our local businesses when sorely needed,” said Linda Baran, President & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
UFT President Micahel Mulgrew said, "I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to help. It’s important that we do all that we can to support our nurses and other healthcare workers during this crisis."
“Borough President Oddo has been a solid partner with us, supporting our healthcare heroes at RUMC since the very beginning,” RUMC president and chief executive officer, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, said. “On behalf of everyone at RUMC our tremendous thanks to the borough president, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the United Federation of Teachers and our local restaurants for thinking of us. You will be forever in our hearts.”
“It has been a relief to know that we can count on our Borough President, Chamber, local delegates and unions during such a difficult healthcare challenge. They have been a true partner and support system to Staten Island University Hospital,” Dr. Brahim Ardolic, Executive Director of Staten Island University Hospital.
To make a donation or join the program as a sponsor, please visit https://statenislandnycoc.wliinc19.com/events/Feeding-Our-Frontline-265/detail