The Waters of Wexford donates over 200 pounds of food to North Hills Food Bank

A local senior living community donated over 200 pounds of food to the North Hills Food Bank — a donation that will provide 350 meals for families in need during the holiday season.

The Waters of Wexford, a senior living community in Marshall, recently switched food vendors and was contractually unable to use the previous provider’s food. Rather than let the food go to waste, they donated it to the North Hills Food Bank, where lines have been long as the covid-19 pandemic worsens food insecurity issues in the community.

“This is a very impactful thing we’re doing. This is a way for us to show the community we care,” said Alaina Kuzins, senior living consultant at The Waters of Wexford. “It is the season of giving.”

The donation included six 66-ounce cans of tuna, seven 10-pound cans of green beans, two cases of French toast, six 10-pound containers of corned beef hash, six 10-pound cans of beef ravioli and six 10-pound containers of beef stew. It adds up to approximately 230 pounds of food.

“Giving to families in need at this time is the best thing to do,” Kimberly Migliozzi, executive director of The Waters of Wexford, said.

Community donations have been pouring in throughout the covid-19 pandemic, Bobbe Grandey, volunteer director of the North Hills Food Bank, said.

“It’s a very generous donation,” Grandey said. “The whole community has been so generous.”

That generosity has been key in keeping up with increased demand throughout the pandemic. The North Hills Food Bank has seen up to 50% more need than usual in recent months, Grandey said. On average, they feed about 210 families — or over 500 individuals — per month. But thanks to sweeping community support — in the form of both donations and volunteers — the food bank has been able to provide for those in need through what has been a difficult year for many.

“Our entire mission as a company is to thrive,” Kuzins said. “What better way to help the community thrive than by donating food they really need?”

The residents at The Waters were excited to hear about Friday’s donation, Kuzins said. Because of the covid-19 pandemic, their residents haven’t had much contact with the community. Knowing their facility was giving back to the community during challenging times meant a lot to them, she said.

“Our residents are an extension of our families and so is the community,” Kuzins said.

The North Hills Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. till 1:45 p.m., though it will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 4 for the holidays.