North Fork Fights Coronavirus: 'We Are Facing A Food Emergency'

GREENPORT, NY — With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases spiking to 104 Tuesday in Southold Town and scores laid off or home from schools, which are closed, there is a food emergency escalating.

But, in true North Fork fashion, the community is coming together to support Community Action of Southold Town, which provides food, emergency supplies and other necessities for the most vulnerable.

Well-known North Fork restauranteurs. The former Greenport Village mayor. Plus a sea of community members — all are joining forces to help. A GoFundMe page, "CAST Food Security For North Fork Families" outlines the urgency.

On March 20, CAST served 100 prepared meals in 1.5 hours, and provided 51 families with food bags from 9 a.m. to noon, the page said.

"With current funding, we are good for about 2 to 3 weeks, assuming current demand levels. But that may change," the page said. "We are having new people sign up every day that we have not served before. We are buying about $5,000 worth of food, diapers and personal care items a week, more than three times the usual cost. And we have expanded our mobile pantry service to provide food to more vulnerable residents who are homebound. We are facing a food emergency in Southold Town."

With coronavirus concerns continuing to escalate, CAST said increasing limits on movement and commerce could mean that current conditions might only be expected to get worse.

"We are appealing to donors urgently to help us raise at least $20,000 to ensure we can continue providing a lifeline to North Fork families," the page said. "Working with our partners at First Presbyterian Church in Southold and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greenport on food distribution, and with American Beech Restaurant in Greenport and CJ’s American Grill in Mattituck on community dinners, and with your support, we are hopeful that we can meet the need for food at this perilous moment in time for so many North Fork families."

Greenport Village Mayor Dave Kapell urged the community to lend a hand: "Please contribute whatever you can. Every dollar counts. And this is a great way to help your neighbors without leaving the safety of your home," he said.

To donate, click here.

According to Cathy Demeroto, executive director of CAST, there has been a "significant increase in need," related to coronavirus in recent weeks, with about 20% of people coming in new clients.

“We are on the front lines of this outbreak in the Town of Southold. The North Fork is being hit hard and CAST is here to serve the community as best we can," she said. "We need to ensure that basic needs are met during this crisis. It is critical that all residents have adequate food. We’re here for the long haul.”

CAST's food pantry is open Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the CAST office, located at 316 Front Street in Greenport.

CAST has also launched the emergency "Feed-A-Kid" program at two local church sites, including the First Presbyterian Church in Southold and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greenport, on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. The new satellite sites were added as "we could not safely handle the demand in our limited space in Greenport," Demeroto said. "We are grateful to these two wonderful church communities for their willingness to step up and partner with us to meet the emergency food security need."

Families participating in the program receive 1 bag per week with breakfast, lunch and snack items.

"This is to ensure that school children who rely on free and reduced-price meals at school don’t go hungry during school closures," Demeroto said.

In addition, Demeroto said, CAST has expanded its mobile food pantry delivery to serve vulnerable Southold Town residents who are homebound during this crisis.

Local chefs have also stepped up. "We are working with local restaurants to distribute prepared take-out meals to families in need," Demeroto said.

CJ’s American Grill in Mattituck delivered food to CAST Tuesday, as well as on earlier dates.

American Beech will kick off food distribution every Wednesday starting March 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at American Beech Restaurant, located 300 Main Street in Greenport.

"We are looking to do these free hot meals initially weekly, but possibly more frequently depending on need," said Brent Pelton, owner of American Beech. "It’s really been incredible seeing Cathy coordinate her team and to secure food, money and other donations needed to respond to this crisis. We have members of our restaurant team who are now volunteering their time to prepare the CAST community meal."

American Beech, Pelton said, is planning on preparing 200 meals, which will be given out in take-away boxes at the American Beech outdoor tree bar Wednesday.

CAST has also partnered with local farms to distribute fresh produce; Treiber Farms in Peconic has donated produce, Demeroto said.

In addition, CAST provides IGA gift cards for families in need and works with donors to purchase local restaurant gift cards for families.

Those who want to donate can bring non-perishable food, diapers and personal care items, which will be accepted at CAST during food pantry hours at the back door.

"We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community," Demeroto said. "Many people have offered to volunteer their time, which is greatly needed and appreciated."

Those who want to volunteer can email info@castsoutholdtown.org, with “Volunteer” in the subject line.

"We also are extremely grateful for the generous monetary and food donations," on the GoFundMe site or here, Demeroto said.

To contact CAST, call 631-477-1717.