NASSAU COUNTY, NY - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today announced that approximately 5,000 families in need have been provided a week’s worth of food supplies to date as part of Nassau County’s new Community Food Distribution initiative. In response to a surge in the demand for food assistance, Nassau County has set aside $1M in federally-reimbursable funds to facilitate the purchase and distribution of critical food supplies through Island Harvest.
Since late April, the County has held successful distribution events in Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Levittown, and Westbury. Upcoming distribution locations in May will include Hicksville, Five Towns, Long Beach, Glen Cove, and Valley Stream/Elmont.
"No one in our County should have to worry about where their family’s next meal is coming from. All levels of government must act fast to address the alarming rise in food insecurity, and Nassau will continue to do everything we can to make sure we all make it to the other side of this crisis," said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
The need to provide direct food support is evidenced by the increased number of applications to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). The number of Nassau County residents seeking this assistance has tripled – from 1,095 in April 2019 to 3,786 last month.
Nassau County has set aside $1 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for food banks to collect, distribute and purchase food. The County works with school districts and community stakeholders to identify families in need and ensure they’re made aware of upcoming food distributions. Nassau County has also built food assistance into the COVID-19 testing process, ensuring that all those tested at County testing facilities are provided a free box of food supplies.
In partnership with Long Island Cares, Nassau continues to provide food assistance to Veterans through the Nassau "Vetmart". Drive-through services for Veterans in need and their families are available Monday through Friday 9am -12am. Residents can call (516) 572-6526 to learn more.