STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A new program called “Feeding Our Frontline” will provide free grab-and-go meals to hospital staff at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) and both campuses of Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) as health care workers continue to provide care to patients being treated for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Borough President James S. Oddo announced that his his office has partnered with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Community Television the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), and local restaurants and caterers for the program -- which begins Wednesday.
“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 Oddo. “We are thrilled to partner with the Chamber, CTV, the UFT and local restaurants to meet this need.”
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To kick off the program, Oddo and his partners have donated more than $15,000 to feed hospital staff -- partnering with local restaurants and caterers who have stepped up to provide meals at $7 per meal.
At each mealtime, 1,400 total meals will be served.
Daniel J. Messina, RUMC president and chief executive offer, said Oddo has been a solid partner with the hospital, supporting “healthcare heroes at RUMC since the very beginning.”
“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," he added. “You will be forever in our heart.”
Dr. Brahim Ardolic, executive direction of SIUH, echoed Messina’s sentiments of true partnership and support.
“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,” said Ardolic.
Community partners and members can contribute to the new program.
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce will accept monetary donations for the meals on its website, statenislandnycoc.wliinc19.com/events/Feeding-Our-Frontline-265/details. Anyone can donate, and contributions begin at $35, which will feed five healthcare workers.
“The Chamber is privileged to take part in the Feeding Our Frontline initiative," said Linda Baran, president and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “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.”
The UFT began its own separate program, providing free meals three times a week to its 1,000 nurse members at Staten Island University Hospital’s south campus and NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn.
“I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to help," said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. "It’s important that we do all that we can to support our nurses and other healthcare workers during this crisis.”
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