Hempstead Town Gives $2 Million To Local Food Banks

HEMPSTEAD TOWN, NY — The Town of Hempstead has given $2 million of the money it received from the federal government for coronavirus relief to local food banks.

In partnership with Long Island Cares, the town gave the money to 14 local food banks within its borders. It is the first official action of the town's new Economic Relief Advisory Committee, which Town Supervisor Don Clavin created to help distribute the $133 million the town received from the government.

“Nobody in our town will go hungry because of the hardships they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Clavin. “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 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 change 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 used 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 will also support The Nassau Center for Collaborative Assistance, Long Island Cares’ satellite location. The money 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.

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.