Photo Credit: Justin Grasso, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

Yonkers, NY - Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (“Empire City”) announced it will once again join forces with Feeding Westchester to raise awareness of food insecurity during Hunger Action Month. The national initiative, which takes place each September, strives to inspire individuals to learn about food insecurity in their communities and support the mission of ensuring neighbors of all ages are well-nourished. 

Empire City will light its iconic porte cochère orange nightly throughout the month of  September.  Empire City is also participating in the ‘Eating for Orange’ initiative, a collaboration among local restaurants and influencers in partnership with Feeding Westchester in which dining establishments offer orange-inspired dishes and drinks to raise awareness of the initiative, with educational materials on display.

Recent data by Feeding America, of which Feeding Westchester is a member, identifies  that food insecurity in Westchester County has increased more than 50% during the pandemic. In New York State, roughly one in six individuals struggle with hunger and are often forced to choose between food and other basic necessities, such as medicine. Approximately 200,000 Westchester residents currently struggle with food insecurity. 

“The culture of MGM Resorts has always been to contribute positively to the communities we serve by addressing core issues that align with our philanthropic pillars,” said Ed Domingo, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “Those who struggle with hunger in our communities are our friends and neighbors. We care about them deeply and will continue to work to support programs that ensure everyone has access to nutritious meals.”

Among the orange-inspired dishes featured at Empire City Casino dining establishments to help raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity include: 

• Orange Chicken Stir Fry, Broccoli and Orange Peppers with Jasmine Rice - The Pub

• Sweet & Sour Shrimp with Rice and Plantain - The Big Kitchen

• Habanero Orange Chicken with Poblano Mexican Corn - Lil Cocina

• The New Amsterdam Cocktail: A Twist on the classic Amsterdam from the Victor Bergeron’s Trader Guide, typically made with gin and served in a coupe sans ice, will now be shaken and strained over ice with orange vodka, triple sec, orange juice, orange bitters and garnished with an orange slice and cherry.

Empire City’s efforts to address food insecurity are not limited to Hunger Action Month and are in effect year-round.  Empire City has donated nearly $50,000 so far this year to several area nonprofit organizations that offer programs to combat food insecurity, including YCAP (Yonkers Community Action Program), Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, Yonkers Family YMCA, BronxWorks, Catholic Charities, and more. Feeding Westchester was also a recent recipient of a $10,000 MGM Resorts Foundation Grant to support their food recovery initiatives. 

In addition to food insecurity programs, MGM Resorts philanthropic areas of focus include public education and workforce development. To learn more about Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and their philanthropic pillars, please visit www.empirecitycasino.com.

About Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast, featuring nearly 4,700 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo table games. Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and international simulcasting. A selection of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with fan favorite fare at The Pub, and convenient delicious options at Lil’ Cocina and the Big Kitchen International Food Court. Visit Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Empire City Casino is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200. 

Media Contacts: 

Josh Knoller, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (201) 294-9586, josh@nicholaslence.com 

Maria Cray, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (508) 245-6564, maria@nicholaslence.com