An 'Every Day' Kind Of Hero: Great Neck Man Nominated As Local Hero

GREAT NECK, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Debbie Feldman who nominated her husband Gary Feldman of Great Neck.

Local hero’s full name

Gary Feldman

Local hero’s home state

New York

Local hero’s Patch

Great Neck

How do you know the local hero?

Spouse

What does the local hero do?

Since 2007, Gary has been an instructor in food, health and the environment in the continuing ed programs of Queensborough Community College, and Great Neck and Port Washington public schools. He participated in the Queens Library System’s Green Initiative and has presented numerous programs for libraries and organizations.

Early on in the 1990s Gary created a first of its kind retail catalogue of all vegetarian name-brand nutritional supplements and cruelty-free personal care products. An example of his dedication to the well-being of animals.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Gary Feldman is an “every day” kind of hero. He has a heart of gold and genuinely cares about the Earth and nature. He always tries to help people. At age 13 he found a great interest in nutrition, which he pursued as an adult.

Gary teaches people that if we learn where our food comes from and how it is grown, we can better understand so many things that are occurring in the world. He has a grand caring to share his knowledge to benefit others.

Gary always advocates for the consumer. When he sees people looking at products in the food market, if they seem to be unsure about what to buy, he will go over to them and begin a conversation about food, product labels and certifications, and help them with their shopping decisions, for which he has received much appreciation.

As a member of the Great Neck Public Schools Citizens Advisory Committee in 2018, Gary tried to encourage the implementation of an organic lunch program, or introduction of some organic foods on the menu for the benefit of the kids, and to have education for the students regarding food. Also he emphasized the need for the school to place as a priority the problem of online bullying.

Gary was a guest speaker for PAK (Protect Allergic Kids) in Holbrook, and also spoke for the Iranian Mothers Association at the North Shore Hebrew Academy.

As a contributing columnist, Gary has written numerous articles through the years for the local newspapers (Litmor Publishing, Anton Community Newspapers, The Island Now) to help guide people toward a healthier life.

He wrote, "Raise Your Hand for Organic" and "Shopping With Your Heart," to educate people on how our buying decisions greatly impact animal treatment and welfare. The overwhelming majority of farm animals come from factory farms. He explains how it is the small farm where animals are treated humanely, and the food they provide us with is safer. He shows people that if they listen to their heart when shopping, their brain will follow.

Gary wrote about our pollinators such as the Monarch Butterflies and Honeybees, and how we can help to protect them because they are in dire trouble.

To try to bring about awareness and help for those who don’t have enough food, he wrote, "The Scope of Food Insecurity on Long Island" and "Could You Face Hunger Too?" In his article, "Should BPA Be Canned?" Gary goes to great lengths to explain ways we can seek out Earth-friendly products.

These are very scary times and with all the challenges facing us, Gary believes that we need to build a wall of strength and chain of knowledge in our communities. That has been and continues to be his goal.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Gary stands up and speaks out for what is right and believes we must always ask questions. Think for ourselves rather than just follow. He always sets an example for others to do the same.

Thank you for all you do, Gary Feldman!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.