Ahead of Independence Day, Senator Steve Rhoads hosted his 4th Annual Freedom Food Drive, bringing together dozens of volunteers and local residents to collect more than 1,000 pounds of food for families in need.

The event was held on Saturday, June 27, outside the ShopRite at Country Pointe in Plainview and benefited the Food Pantry at Our Lady of Mercy in Hicksville, which serves hundreds of local families each month.

The food drive was organized in partnership with Island Harvest, one of Long Island’s leading hunger-relief organizations, which assisted with donation coordination and logistics. All items collected will be delivered directly to the shelves of the Our Lady of Mercy Food Pantry.

“Incredibly grateful to Senator Rhoads, Christopher Dalton, their outstanding team of interns, and Island Harvest for organizing and hosting the Freedom Food Drive at ShopRite Country Pointe to benefit the Our Lady of Mercy Emergency Food Pantry,” said Genny Feliciano, Director of Parish Services at Our Lady of Mercy Parish. “Your generosity, hard work, and dedication to our community made this event a success. Thanks to everyone who donated. Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring community where neighbors help neighbors, and everyone has access to nutritious food.”

Senator Steve Rhoads said, “As we approach Independence Day, this Freedom Food Drive is a reflection of what truly defines our community. Freedom is not only something we celebrate, it is something we live out every day through service, generosity, and looking out for one another. When neighbors come together to support families facing hardship, we strengthen the very fabric of our community and uphold the values that make this country special. I’m grateful to everyone who took part, donated, and volunteered, because this effort shows that in our community, no one is ever standing alone, and together we can make a real difference in people’s lives.” 

Senator Rhoads expressed appreciation for the community’s continued support and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the Freedom Food Drive as an annual tradition, encouraging residents to come together in service during the season of patriotism and unity.