When a community decides that no neighbor should go hungry, compassion turns into action. 

That spirit filled Feeding Westchester’s Elmsford headquarters as members of The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone: more than $1 million in grants directed toward hunger relief across Westchester County. 

What began in 2011 as a small group of 20 members contributing $25,000 has grown into a 60-member, all-volunteer organization committed to strengthening food access throughout the region. Because the Giving Circle operates entirely through volunteer leadership, nearly every dollar raised goes directly to supporting food pantries, soup kitchens, and frontline partners. 

“This is more than just a number,” said Tami Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Feeding Westchester. “It represents stability for families. It represents children being nourished. It represents dignity.” 

Over the past decade, the Giving Circle’s steady partnership has helped Feeding Westchester and its 175 network partners respond to rising demand. Today, more than 1 in 3 households in Westchester are at risk of hunger, and the need remains high as families continue to face rising costs and changes to safety-net programs like SNAP. 

Eric Nodiff, founder of the Giving Circle, reflected on the significance of the milestone. 

“While today is a celebration, our mission is more essential than ever,” he said. “Food insecurity is rising. The strain on food banks and frontline organizations continues to grow. We remain committed to this work.” 

The milestone was reached through a dedicated Million Dollar Campaign launched in 2025, including a community benefit event, “Comics for a Cause,” and an outpouring of generosity from members in the final months of the year. In total, Giving Circle members contributed more than $125,000 to push lifetime grants past the $1 million mark. 

To put the impact in perspective, Feeding Westchester estimates that $1 million translates to more than two million meals for neighbors across the county — children, seniors, veterans, working families, and individuals with disabilities who are doing everything right but still struggling to make ends meet. 

Paul Warhit, President of the Giving Circle, described the organization’s role simply: “We are proud to help bridge the gap. The real heroes are the people doing the work every day — the frontline organizations and Feeding Westchester.” 

Partner agencies echoed that sentiment. 

Leaders from Carver Center in Port Chester shared how demand for food assistance has grown significantly in recent years, citing the high cost of housing and living expenses. With support from Feeding Westchester and Giving Circle grants, Carver expanded its reach from serving 300 families per month pre-pandemic to distributing 700,000 pounds of food last year, supporting thousands of individual visits. 

Representatives from Upon This Rock Ministries in Mount Vernon spoke of the dignity and hope restored through their food pantry and new community resource room — spaces where families gather not only for nourishment but connection. 

Throughout the event, one theme remained clear: philanthropy is not just about dollars raised. It is about partnership. It is about trust. It is about building the kind of community where no one stands alone. 

The Giving Circle’s name will soon be permanently recognized on Feeding Westchester’s new partner recognition wall — honoring more than a decade of sustained generosity and leadership. 

Together, the message of the day was simple: 

When a community leans in instead of turning away, hunger does not stand a chance. 

Together, we nourish.