By Rachel Vick

Online grocer FreshDirect has begun a month-long initiative to provide free food for Queens residents beset by the COVID-19 health and economic crises.

The company said it would donate 400 boxes of groceries every day for a month, starting March 24, as part of the “Operation 5-Borough Food Drive” initiative. The boxes will be picked up by community-based organizations and distributed to seniors, low income families and other people in need across Queens.

Acting Borough President Sharon Lee praised the company for stepping up to support Queens residents.

"Social distancing does not mean familial isolation,” Lee said. “The next few weeks and months will be an unprecedented challenge. We can make a bigger impact against the curve if we act together and act now.”

“Queens is also deeply grateful to our community partners for helping to ensure the most vulnerable are prepared in the coming weeks and months to weather the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.

The boxes contain non-perishable items like canned goods and pasta, as well as fresh produce. Nestle Waters is donating 80,000 gallons of water and Boar’s Head is donating 25,000 Pepperoni Pouches to the project.

The participating organizations for the first week include: Catholic Charities: St. Mary’s of Winfield, Catholic Charities: St. Raphael, Chinese American Planning Council Queens Community Center, CommonPoint Queens – Sam Field Center, Elmcor Youth and Adult Activity, HANAC Inc. Ravenswood, Harding Ford Vision, Jewish Association for Services for the Aged Rockaway Park Senior Center, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York Neighborhood Senior Centers, Our Lady of Grace, Peter Cardella Senior Citizens Center, Project Hope Charities, Queens Community House, River Fund New York, Services Now for Adult Persons, Inc. (SNAP), and Sunnyside Community Services’ Center for Active Older Adults.

Organizations interested in participating can call 718-286-2680 or email info@queensbp.org.