Community Corner

Food Pantry's Need Continues Even After Thanksgiving

Island Harvest and the Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry say turkeys and other goods are needed to make sure families don't go hungry this holiday season.

There is a "significant" jump in demand for Thanksgiving meals for the homeless and hungry this year, according to Long Island's biggest hunger relief group, Island Harvest, which is issuing a plea for food and funds.

All of Long Island's 570 soup kitchens, pantries and emergency shelers need help and are urging residents to donate food goods and funds to local groups to  make sure no one goes hungry, says Rand Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest.

"Long Islanders have always come through to help those less fortunate enjoy a traditional holiday style meal," said Shubin Dresner in a press statement. "But we realize that many families are struggling because of the economy, so we would be grateful for any donation, no matter how small."

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Sally Stark, director of the Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry located in the First Presbyterian Church in Northport agreed. "We service 150 families weekly," she said, adding that the demand will continue following Thanksgiving when local businesses such as Copenhagen Bakery gave 100 $20 gift cards to a local grocery store purchased with donations from customers and Steve Hubbard donated 20 turkeys. "While our shelves were full for Thanksgiving because many people have drives for us and individuals and businesses give, and we are grateful, the need will continue after Thanksgiving and beyond."

The food pantry is always in need of juice boxes, paper goods, produce, canned or dry goods, supermarket gift cards or funds and will continue to have demand following the holiday.

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On Long Island, over 283,000 are at the risk of going hungry each day, according to a study conducted earlier this year by Island Harvest and Feeding America. Each week nearly 65,000 people access emergency or supplemental feeding programs throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"The high unemployment rate and uncertain economy tells just one part of the story," said Shubin Dresner about the spike in demand among Island Harvest's member agencies.

"Many Long Islanders are under-employed, not earning what they used to, and are struggling to make ends meet." The economy has changed the face of hunger on Long Island and more working families are seeking help, some of whom were formerly donors to Island Harvest, she added.

 




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