Today, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. and the Town Board have announced that $2 million will be directly routed to fourteen local food banks within the Town of Hempstead. The announcement, in partnership with Long Island Cares, comes as the first official action of the newly created Economic Relief Advisory Committee, which aims to distribute the $133 million the Town received as part of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 economic stimulus package.
“Nobody in our Town will go hungry because of the hardships they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. “Between many of our residents losing their jobs and the grocery stores struggling to meet demand, this funding will keep our food banks stocked for the next couple of months so our residents can be reassured with quality meals. I’d like to once again thank Senator Charles Schumer and the entire congressional delegation for making this funding available so can continue our partnership with Long Island Cares to see what additional resources are needed as this situation continues.”
“The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to financial insecurity for scores of families in our township, with many struggling to put food on the table,” said Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. “The funds allocated to Long Island Cares by the Town of Hempstead will go a long way toward ensuring those currently facing economic hardship won’t have to worry about where their next meal comes from.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the economic landscape of Hempstead Town, and many families’ finances have taken a major hit,” said Councilman Bruce Blakeman. “I am glad that these funds from the town will go toward Long Island Cares, ensuring their staff can continue fighting on the front lines to prevent hunger in our community.
The food distribution centers are currently located in Baldwin, Elmont, Inwood and Roosevelt, as well as other key locations to combat the increased food insecurity caused by COVID-19. The centers will be open for two days a week totaling eight hours. These times are subject to revision depending on the community need.
Centers will be staffed by two Long Island Cares staff members and support will be supplemented by community volunteers. Drivers will be utilized to keep all sites stocked with products from the Long Island Cares inventory.
Each family will receive a 20 pound emergency box of food that can feed a family of six for up to a week. Each box will contain non-perishable food that is nutritiously sound, as well as shelf staples such as milk, juice, and pet food if needed. Fresh produce will also be made available when possible.
The $2 million in funding will also support The Nassau Center for Collaborative Assistance, Long Island Cares’ satellite location. This funding will specifically support, Hempstead, Uniondale, Merrick, Bellmore and Oceanside to aid the increasing demand these communities are facing for food products since the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I am grateful for the staff at Long Island Cares who have been working diligently to provide support for those requiring nutritional assistance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. “This is a great example of government and community organizations working together to serve those in need, and I know these funds will be put to good use aiding residents facing economic hardship.”
“In challenging economic times, food insecurity can be a major source of stress for many families,” said Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. “This new Town of Hempstead funding for food banks operated by Long Island Cares will go a long way to making sure local residents don’t go to bed hungry, and for that, I am thankful.”
“The ongoing COVID-19 health emergency has triggered a financial crisis for a multitude of families in our area – a phenomenon which too often results in less money for groceries and thinly stocked home refrigerators,” said Councilman Thomas Muscarella. “Local food banks like Long Island Cares have been at the forefront of the battle to prevent hunger in our hometown, and I know these funds from the Town of Hempstead will be put to good use supporting that cause.”
“The economic toll unleased by COVID-19 on families has been severe, with many facing challenging decisions when it comes to affording groceries,” said Councilman Christopher Carini. “This funding by the Town of Hempstead for Long Island Cares will help ensure their shelves remain stocked for residents seeking assistance.”
For more information about where the food banks are located or how to schedule a pick-up or delivery, visit licares.org or call 631-582-FOOD.
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