STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) is distributing boxes of fresh free food from Fresh Direct for Staten Islanders, especially in light of thousands of Islanders whose food has gone bad because of power outages, post-Tropical Storm Isaias.

We distributed over 400 boxes (Friday) and have about 50 left for distribution today, said Laura Del Prete, of CHASI. We will be getting more next week to do another distribution.

You can pick up a pre-packed box of non perishable items at 56 Bay Street. Please be sure to sign for your box, while supplies last.

The program, started at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, has recently been extended through the end of September. From March to June of this year, pantry staff served over 24,000 households.

So many people have lost the contents of their fridge due to the storm and we are here to help, added Del Prete. Box contents vary, but include canned goods, cereal, pasta or rice, and other non-perishable grocery items.

The best days to pick up are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but food may be available at other times by calling 718-808-1450.

CHASI FOOD PANTRY

Individuals or families seeking food can visit the CHASI community food pantry at 2134 Richmond Terrace, Port Richmond. The pantry is open Tuesdays 10-2, Wednesdays 12-4, Fridays 2-6, and Saturdays 10-2.

The CHASI mobile food pantry visits locations in 16 neighborhoods across the Island, said Emilie Tippins, CHASI Vice President Communications & Development. The past four months have dramatically increased the need for pantry services.

Respecting social distancing protocol, the CHASI pantry service has moved outdoors. Benefits navigators work with clients in need to help with health insurance benefits and SNAP benefits.

Connections are still available to other CHASI services during the pandemic, many with home delivery or virtual options, including overdose prevention, recovery support groups (many by phone), at-home HIV testing, and domestic violence support.

PARTNERSHIP WITH FRESH DIRECT, BP JAMES ODDO, AND OTHERS

In addition to the partnership with Fresh Direct via Borough President James Oddos office, CHASI has received COVID-related supplies and food from the Food Bank for New York, City Harvest, North Shore and South Shore Rotary Clubs and Rotary District 7230.

ALSO: Boy Scouts of America, Richmond County Savings Foundation, SIEDC, BCB Bank, NYC Department of Education, Notre Dame Club of Staten Island, Rabs Country Lanes, NYC Department of Sanitation, College of Staten Island, Snug Harbor Heritage Farm, Blessing Bag Brigade of NJ, Mariners Harbor Farm, other local organizations, local elected officials, and several generous individual donors.

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Community Health Action of Staten Island distributes boxes of fresh free food from Fresh Direct - SILive.com