Island Harvest, Jovia partner to provide to 400 families

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Amid Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that New York schools would remain closed until at least April 29 to curb the spread of Covid-19, Island Harvest Food Bank and Jovia Financial Credit Union — formally NEFCU — announced that they would be partnering to give meal kits to hundreds of affected families.

Jovia donated $10,000 to the Bethpage-based food bank, which identified 30 school districts across Long Island to bring food to students who were otherwise dependent on meals provided by schools.

Over 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,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, who lives in East Meadow and is the president and chief executive officer of Island Harvest Food Bank.

Shubin Dresner added that the partnership with the financial credit union would not end there. “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.”

“During these trying times, we cannot lose sight of those who are most in need of care,” said Renu Dalessandro, Jovia’s chief marketing officer.

Jovia has been supportive of Long Island schools and communities since its inception by a small group of educators in Valley Stream over 80 years ago. It offers a number of teacher grants, scholarship programs and community events throughout the year. When the opportunity came to partner with Island Harvest, Dalessandro said it was a perfect fit.

“It’s an honor to be able to assist them in the tremendous work they do on a daily basis,” she said.