Community

Help Feed Rockland County Children Through Summer Hunger Relief Campaign

Published

3 months ago

July 5, 2026

Summer Should Be About Fun—Not Hunger.

For thousands of children across Rockland County, the end of the school year also means the loss of a reliable source of nutritious meals.

While summer is a time for vacations and outdoor adventures for many families, more than 15,000 local children face food insecurity when school cafeterias close. Transportation challenges, parents’ work schedules, and limited access to summer meal sites can make it difficult for families to put healthy food on the table.

To help meet this urgent need, Rockland Community Against Hunger (RCAH) has launched its annual Summer Hunger Relief Campaign, ensuring children and families have access to nutritious food throughout the summer months.

Working alongside the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, local school districts, food pantries, and community organizations, RCAH is expanding food distribution to reach families where they need it most.

Most importantly, 100% of every donation goes directly toward purchasing food for children and families in need.

“There are more than 60,000 children under the age of 17 in Rockland County, and nearly one in four lives below the federal poverty level,” said Anita Dreichler, coordinator of Rockland Community Against Hunger. “That means more than 15,000 children need our help. As a collaboration of food pantries and meal programs, we can do more to support these children—especially during the summer months when school meal programs are limited.”

Maria Vanessa Cipolla, chair of the Spring Valley Collaborative, said no child should go hungry simply because school is out.

“This initiative is about neighbors helping neighbors,” Cipolla said. “By working together, we can ensure our children have the nourishment they need not only to survive, but to thrive.”

The campaign brings together nonprofit organizations, schools, public health partners, and community advocates in a united effort to combat childhood hunger across Rockland County.

How You Can Help

Community members, local businesses, civic organizations, and philanthropic partners are encouraged to support the Summer Hunger Relief Campaign with a financial contribution.

Every dollar donated goes directly toward providing nutritious food to children and families throughout Rockland County this summer.

To make a donation, visit the Rockland Community Against Hunger donation page or learn more at www.rocklandhunger.org.

Together, our community can help ensure that no child has to wonder where their next meal will come from this summer.

Community

Milla News: Rockland County’s Unofficial Mayor

Published

3 days ago

October 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Milla News has become one of Rockland County’s most recognizable social media personalities, earning a loyal following of more than 40,000 people on Instagram and building a reputation for making local news engaging for audiences of all ages.

Affectionately known as the “unofficial Mayor of Rockland County,” Milla has found a unique way to connect residents with the people, places and stories that shape their community.

Beyond his growing presence on social media, Milla is a co-owner of New York Is a Nationality, a popular clothing brand that celebrates New York identity and culture.

A graduate of Ramapo High School, Milla is also focused on giving back to the community that helped shape him. Through his work with local high school students, he shares insights into building a brand, using social media effectively and developing entrepreneurial skills.

By combining local news, social media and mentorship, Milla is helping inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs while bringing Rockland County residents together through stories that reflect their community.

Community

Family Emergency Preparedness: Is Your Family Ready?

Published

4 days ago

October 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Emergencies Can Happen Anytime: Is Your Family Prepared?

Emergencies rarely happen when it is convenient. A severe storm, extended power outage, house fire, medical emergency or other unexpected event can quickly disrupt everyday life. Taking a little time now to prepare can make a major difference when something goes wrong.

Here are some simple steps every household should consider.

Build an Emergency Kit

Keep basic supplies in a place that is easy to access. Your kit should include:

Bottled water and several days of nonperishable food
Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
First-aid supplies
Necessary medications and medical supplies
Phone chargers and backup power banks
Blankets and warm clothing
Copies of important documents
Cash in small denominations
Basic tools and household supplies

Remember to check your supplies periodically and replace expired food, batteries and medications.

Have a Plan for Power Outages

Winter storms, high winds and equipment failures can leave homes without electricity for hours or even days. Know where your flashlights are, keep devices charged and have alternative ways to stay warm.

If you use a generator, never operate it inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. Generators must be kept outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know What to Do in a House Fire

Make sure everyone in your household knows two ways to get out of every bedroom and where to meet outside.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and replace batteries as recommended. If a fire occurs, get outside and stay outside. Do not go back inside for pets or belongings.

Prepare for Severe Weather

Severe thunderstorms, high winds, flooding and winter storms can develop quickly. Keep an eye on weather alerts and know where you would go in your home if you need to shelter.

During a severe storm, bring outdoor furniture and other loose objects inside when possible. Avoid driving through flooded roads — even a relatively small amount of moving water can be dangerous.

Be Ready for a Medical Emergency

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home and learn basic first aid and CPR if you can.

Make sure family members know where important medications are located and have a list of medications, allergies and emergency contacts readily available. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Make a Family Communication Plan

If an emergency separates family members, everyone should know how to reconnect.

Choose an emergency contact outside your immediate area and establish a meeting place. Make sure children know their full name, address and how to call 911.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Pets need an emergency plan, too. Keep food, water, medications, leashes, carriers and copies of veterinary records with your emergency supplies. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels before an emergency occurs.

A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Save Precious Time

You do not have to prepare everything at once. Start with a basic emergency kit, make a family communication plan and learn what emergencies are most likely in your area.

The goal isn’t to expect the worst. It’s to be ready so that, when an emergency does happen, you can focus on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.