Long Islanders donate boxes of food to neighbors in need during this holiday season. // Photo courtesy of Google Images
With the holiday season quickly approaching, many have the desire to give. Some Long Islanders donate to their local food banks and pantries, providing meals for families and individuals who need help, but the recent rise in food costs have put many in a tough spot.
Grocery prices have risen 13% over the past year on Long Island. While residents would like to donate to their nearby food banks, inflation has made some question if they have enough to do so, according to Fox 5 New York.
Harrison Smith, the coordinator of the Long Island Cares food pantry in Huntington Station, said that the holidays are the busiest time of the year for the organization. They helped 479 families in the month of November alone.
Individuals can choose food from the pantry once per month through Long Island Cares’ client choice method.
“When [volunteers or I] take a client through, we tell them how many choices they have in the different food sections, and then they’re able to choose the food off the shelves themselves,” Smith said.
While Long Island Cares helps hundreds of families per month, they are still struggling to stock their shelves because of the rise in the cost of food.
“We aren’t getting as much food as we were able to last year because food prices are far more expensive,” Smith said. “People aren’t able to get as much food as they normally would when they go to the grocery store, and some are coming to our services for the first time.”
Island Harvest has been feeding the hungry on Long Island for 30 years. The organization assists 330,000 families a year across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
“We’re looking at providing 18,500 meals for families this holiday season,” said Joe Barry, the chief development officer of Island Harvest. “That holiday meal means a lot to people, especially if you think about a family with children. They provide some sense of normalcy around the holidays with a good, solid and complete meal.”
Island Harvest and Long Island Cares help hundreds of thousands of families throughout the year, but rising costs are making it tougher for these organizations. People who go to Long Island food banks are in dire need because there is less food to go around.
Inflation has not only affected the cost of food, but the cost of clothing as well. Midnight Run is an organization based in New York City that provides services to the homeless population of the five boroughs and surrounding areas. They hold events to distribute food, blankets and clothing around 300 nights a year.
These events, or “runs,” can help up to 400 people on a busy night. They are sponsored by groups which come from churches, synagogues, youth groups and high school groups, according to the website.
“My gloves and hat cost went up about 20-25% over the last two years while some things have stayed steadier,” said Dale Williams, the executive director of Midnight Run. “We’re lucky that we’ve had some donors who kind of stepped up to make a difference.”
Councilwoman Joan Cergol from the Town of Huntington checks in regularly with local food banks and organizations, like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares.
“Inflation has really impacted food insecurity and hunger,” Cergol said. “We have numerous organizations that have stepped up in a really big way. Their presence has become like a superpower since the pandemic.”
People across Long Island are looking to do whatever they can to help. Victoria Mascia, a second-year law student at Hofstra, recently volunteered with Midnight Run, giving out food and clothing to people in need.
“I loved working with Midnight Run. It was such a rewarding experience being able to help so many in need. Most people are able to get food and clothing so easily, even with it being more expensive, that they don’t even think twice about those who can’t afford these things,” Mascia said. “Something that people overlook is how important shoes are. They don’t realize how quickly shoes wear down when you’re wearing them 24/7.”
Matt Ricupero, a senior public relations major, volunteered at his local church, which had a food drive.
“It’s really important to donate to food drives and banks as often as you can,” Ricupero said. “It doesn’t take much either. If you have an extra can of soup or two laying around, donate that. Anything helps.”
Some locals may have fallen on hard times, but their neighbors have been there to help them get right back on their feet.
“We always have had a lot of goodhearted citizens that are looking to help and get involved in something worthwhile that helps their neighbors,” Cergol said. “Mr. Rogers always used to talk to the kids and say in times of crisis look for the helpers. I think the hallmark of Huntington is that there are a lot of helpers, and you don’t have to look hard for them.”