LI 'Feeding Local Heroes' Group Sends Meals To Essential Workers

HEWLETT, NY — Across Long Island, impromptu Facebook groups have formed to raise money to feed healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic. One of these groups in the Five Towns area is also donating the food purchased from local restaurants to other essential businesses that have to stay open during the crisis, like utility crews, pharmacies, daycares, police and fire stations and others.

Blair Longaro, a Hewlett resident, formed the group, called Feeding Local Heroes and Friends From Local Businesses, on March 20. Longaro told Patch the group has raised and spent over $30,000 as of April 1. Residents can donate to Longaro's Venmo account and track the donations in the Facebook group.

The employees, ranging from police officers and urgent care staff to Costco and CVS employees and more, who have received food deliveries post their thank you messages on the Facebook page.

Christine DeBenedetto-Tarantino wrote "I've been at the Lynbrook Post Office for 22 years.This is the nicest thing the community has ever done for us. On behalf of the entire office I truly thank you for pulling this together."

On a typical weekday the volunteers distribute meals to numerous businesses at an all-day pace. On Monday, March 30, the deliveries included donuts to South Nassau Hospital ICU, Bagel Boss bagels to local post offices, pizza to pharmacies and a senior center, Mexican food to a nursing facility and bank and a gift certificates to even more facilities.