New Mobile Food Pantry Will Deliver Directly To Needy

GREENPORT, NY — During a time when many families in need go hungry — but have no means or way to get to a food pantry — a new solution will bring resources directly to their doors.

Community Action Southold Town is set to celebrate the launch of a new mobile food pantry and resource center at its annual Holiday Toy Drive, which takes place on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at the Greenport Fire Department, located at 236 Third Street.

According to CAST, BNB Bank provided a generous grant for the mobile food pantry and resource center so the organization can better serve the North Fork community.

"As a community bank with a deep commitment to the North Fork, BNB Bank is proud to support
CAST. Hunger is an issue for so many in our communities and CAST’s mobile pantry is vital to
improving the lives of hundreds of families,” said Daniel Delehanty, director of community
development, BNB Bank.

CAST’s Executive Director Cathy Demeroto expressed gratitude for the donation. “BNB is a true
community bank and we are so grateful for their support, which will enable us to address food
insecurity and provide critical resources more effectively on the North Fork," she said.

Since 1965, CAST has been serving low-income residents in the Town of Southold from Laurel to Orient Point and Fishers Island, helping both individuals and families to meet their basic needs, including nutrition, clothing, energy, employment, and education.

While CAST’s mission is to promote self-sufficiency and provide a safety net for North Fork residents in need, the lack of public transportation is crippling for the most vulnerable.

“We are not reaching many of our neighbors in need who are unable to get to
our Greenport location," Demeroto said. The new mobile food pantry, she said, will help CAST to reach homebound residents, including seniors and people living with disabilities, and those who experience transportation barriers in an area with very limited public transportation.

In January, CAST will start with home delivery of food, taking over the delivery for Mattituck Presbyterian Church’s Loaves & Fishes program. Next, in the spring, CAST will also establish satellite food distribution sites throughout the community on scheduled dates to be determined.

“With the new mobile pantry, we will be able to expand our food rescue and pick up more fresh produce through our Farm to Friend program, ensuring that everyone in the community will have access to the abundant fresh local produce on the North Fork," Demeroto said.

CAST has also received support from the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation and the Harry Chapin Foundation to support the initiative, a release said.

“CAST could not meet the growing need in the community without the support of generous community partners," Demeroto said. "We are grateful to all the sponsors for making CAST on Wheels a reality."