It’s been one year since the Long Island Cares Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank satellite emergency food distribution center in Hampton Bays began serving the East End. Now, they continue this work while teaming with Bank of America to offer a personal care bags throughout the month of March.
Each visitor will receive a bag of personal care items, which will include paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, fabric sheets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine hygiene products, and deodorant.
This funding builds on a $500,000 grant from Bank of America awarded in January 2020 to Long Island Cares to help establish its fifth community based satellite center in Hampton Bays, which features a First Stop Triage Pantry and Baxter’s Pet Pantry.
Many residents who reside on the East End work in seasonal positions and industries like hospitality, agricultural, and trade, all of which were negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic creating furloughs, layoffs, and job losses. Since its opening in March, the satellite has served 14,795 people and has given out 97,420 meals.
“In the last year I’ve seen firsthand how the pandemic has affected so many people on this Island and especially on the East End,” said Liliane Leonardo, the program coordinator for Hampton Bays. “With job losses, school closings, and sickness affecting so many people, our clients tell me often how thankful they are that we opened during such unprecedented times. When we give them food that we have prepacked from the pantry, I can tell by their reaction that it means a lot to them and that we are making an impact on the East End. Supplying them with something a little extra other than food for the month, will bring a smile to their face or maybe even a tear of joy and that is what I believe we are here to do, make someone’s hard day a little brighter and easier.”
“Bank of America is a major contributor to hunger relief organizations including Feeding America and Long Island Cares. Their commitment towards reducing food insecurity has resulted in the development of innovative program models like our new satellite location in Hampton Bays, and their generous support added to the successes we’ve had in responding to Covid-19, which has resulted in an additional 255,000 Long Islanders turning to the regional food bank for assistance,” said Paule Pachter, the CEO of Long Island Cares.
Long Island Cares, founded by the late Harry Chapin, brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island. The goal is to improve food security for families, sponsor programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency, and educate the general public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island.
“Bank of America is committed to advancing the health and well-being of communities on Long Island by working with dedicated local partners like Long Island Cares,” said Bob Isaksen, Long Island Market President for Bank of America. “Many East Enders have struggled from the economic fallout of the coronavirus, making the services provided all the more critical. Last year’s grant enabled Long Island Cares to expand its reach and support thousands of people on the East End, and we are honored to continue that partnership.”