LI Cares Holding Veteran Food And Clothing Distribution In Hauppauge

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Veterans in need of food and clothing this winter will have an opportunity to procure them.

Long Island Cares and General Needs are set to host a food and clothing distribution for veterans from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at Long Island Cares, located at 75 Davids Drive, Hauppauge, the food bank announced. The event is only for veterans and their families.

The food bank will hand out frozen hams, frozen chickens, holiday boxes, nonperishable food, socks, and other assorted items, said Justin Berbig, veteran outreach coordinator of Long Island Cares.

General Needs will be handing out new boots, new coats and pillows, he said.

"There are many veterans who are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity on Long Island," Berbig told Patch. "Handing out food and clothing is a great way to help our veterans. Also, just a great way to thank our veterans during this holiday season."

Berbig is a U.S. veteran himself.

"I have a strong personal drive to support and improve the lives of my fellow brothers and sisters, who have served and sacrificed for our country," Berbig said.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America since 2020 to help raise awareness in our local communities of hunger, a persistent national problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks and 60,000 local meals programs across the country, estimates that nearly 34 million people, including 9 million children — about 1 in 6 Americans — are living with food insecurity. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.