Hempstead Town Gives $2.1 Million To Island Harvest

HEMPSTEAD TOWN, NY — The Town of Hempstead announced today that it will provide Island Harvest with up to $2.1 million in grant funding to help alleviate the financial stresses that have been placed on the organization as it works to provide access to food for thousands of people due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The grant money comes from the federal CARES Act funding that was provided to the town to help offset expenses incurred by organizations throughout the town related to COVID-19. It will allow Island Harvest to expand its Harvest to Home delivery program, which delivers meals to senior citizens, veterans and low-income families within the Town of Hempstead that have been severely affected by COVID-19.

“I’d like to thank Senator Schumer for his part in securing the funding for this Island Harvest initiative,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “Senator Schumer’s continued support from the beginning of the pandemic with regards to CARES Act funding has been invaluable and the town is truly grateful.”

From the grant provided by the Town of Hempstead, Island Harvest has the ability to continue providing its service and even expand the scope of the work being done. In tandem with 400 community partners, Island Harvest provides assistance to thousands of individuals each week.

“On behalf of food-insecure residents throughout the town, we thank Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board for their invaluable assistance in securing much-needed funds to allow us to provide essential food support to people affected by the pandemic,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest. “The economic upheaval caused by the pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for food assistance, including among people who have never sought help before. The funding will help us to make sure that no one goes without something as basic as food."