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 was part of the federal CARES Act funding that was provided to the Town by the federal government to help offset
unbudgeted 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,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said. “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 such an essential 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 through innovative programs
and services such as the Harvest to Home delivery program.
“The funding that Island Harvest has received from the Town is going to do so much good for the community,” said Councilman Bruce Blakeman. “Island Harvest has always been an essential service for so many, and the expansion of their programs and services will only further alleviate the burden of food
insecurity.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Town of Hempstead has been partnering with organizations throughout Long Island to aid in the collective effort to rebuild both the economy and the community.
The approval of the Island Harvest grant is one of several proposals that have been approved in order to see this effort through. With funding that the town received from the CARES Act, a number of organizations and non-profits have submitted for grants to aid the community through these difficult times.
The Town of Hempstead has been diligent in working with these organizations to provide assistance in the various sectors of
the community in order to provide the necessary support.
“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 Food Bank. “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.”
Founded in 1992, the Island Harvest Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Island Harvest distributes fresh produce, meat, and non-perishables throughout Long Island and assists thousands of Long Islanders daily through its
innovative programming and network of community partners.
For more information about initiatives throughout the Town of Hempstead, visit https://hempsteadny.gov/.
Submitted by the Town of Hempstead
