Veteran food drive, Operation Hunger Smash, was a 'smash' hit. How much food was collected? Why was there a drive?

A truck full of non-perishable goods was collected for veterans a few weeks ago with more expected to be donated this Saturday.

Ben Jackson, a Freeport resident, along with his wife Jennifer Jerome organized a veteran food drive in Baldwin. This event is a nationwide food drive for homeless veterans, which it is called “Operation Hunger Smash.” The food drive occurred earlier this month with another one coming up this Saturday.

“Jennifer and I set up a table a few weeks ago, we filled my car with non-perishable goods, and then we brought it to the Lynbrook VFW,” Jackson said. The main goal of this food drive is for Jackson to give back to the veterans who have fought for this country. “We’ve done a lot for the veterans in the past and I’m a firm believer that they need our help,” Jackson said.

Jackson plans to host another food drive this upcoming Saturday outside of GalaFresh Farms. He says that “canned foods” are best for donating along with any other foods that are non-perishable. “It’s extremely important,” Jackson said when asked how important it is to give back to veterans. He continued, “we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our veterans. They sacrifice themselves to keep this country going.”

–Ben Fiebert