LI Food Bank Utilizing $50K Grant To Help Brentwood Students

BRENTWOOD, NY — A generous grant will help Long Island students and families struggling with food insecurity.

Long Island Cares-The Harry Chapin Food Bank announced last week that it had received a $50,000 grant from Newsday Charities, which will be used to fund the organization's Mobile School Pantry program.

The program distributes food to 11 elementary schools within the Brentwood Union Free School District. Since 2014, it has given food to each school once a month over the course of the academic year, Long Island Cares said.

According to a press release, the Brentwood Union Free School District is the largest school district on Long Island, with an enrollment of more than 19,000 students.

“Funding allocated aids us in purchasing culturally friendly foods and supplies that families so desperately need," said Dr. Jessica Rosati, chief programs officer at Long Island Cares. "We are grateful for the partnership and support for this much-needed service."

Long Island Cares — the Island’s first food bank — was founded by the late singer/songwriter Harry Chapin in 1980. It annually distributes more than 14 million lbs. of food and supplies to food-insecure Long Islanders. The food is also shared among more than 300 member agencies in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the release said.

“Long Island Cares is a valued partner we have grown to rely on to help distribute food to families in need on a regular and consistent basis,” Ann Palmer, Brentwood assistant superintendent of elementary education, said. “Families depend on Long Island Cares to supplement their needs and provide for their families. Long Island Cares is a true blessing.”

Long Island Cares also operates in six other locations, in Bethpage, Freeport, Hampton Bays,
Hauppauge and Lindenhurst. Lindenhurst is also the home of Baxter’s Pet Pantry, which supplies pet food and supplies to families in need.

To learn more about Long Island Cares or how to get involved, click here.