New CHOW Director Admits Finding a Few Surprises

Michael Leahey has only been the program director of the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse for a few months but has found himself quickly being able to speak with authority about the hunger problem in the region.Appearing on the February 9th edition of the Southern Tier Close Up, the new CHOW director told host, Kathy Whyte he was surprised in the first few days on the job by the scope of the need for hunger abatement services in the region.

Leahey had previously held a position with Catholic Charities of Broome County and said stepping into the program director role with CHOW was a natural fit as he, himself, grew up in poverty and had utilized food pantries.

Right now, CHOW has a need for most of the food staples at the warehouse, including peanut butter, cereal, pasta and canned vegetables, which can be dropped off at CHOW barrels in the region or at the CHOW warehouse at 3 Otsiningo Street.

For more information on programs and how to help, Leahey can be reached by phone at (607) 724-9130, extention 331. Information about the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse can be found at the Broome County Council of Churches website: www.broomecouncil.net.