Long Island Businesses Host Free Meal Program For Patrons

SHIRLEY, NY — A group of tri-hamlet area restaurants are hosting a 'pay it forward' free meal program for patrons who might not be able to afford a hot meal out this holiday season.

The restaurants have all posted signs that ask anyone who might me hungry and has no money, can pick a paid receipt, give the server a ticket, and the kitchen will prepare them a meal.

"We've had plenty of people who have put onto it," said Beth Hanlon, the manager at Pizza Time in Mastic Beach.

The restaurant began advertising the promotion on Saturday after a customer made the suggestion and it was announced on Facebook on Wednesday.

"We're trying to just spread the word," Hanlon said.

Other restaurants participating include the William Floyd Diner, La Placita, Mercedes Meat Market, and Hero Haven.

In a Facebook post, Caryl Lipira owned up to starting the generous gesture.

"I got the ball rolling and I’m counting on the community to keep it going," she wrote in a Mastic-Shirley community group.

"These four local businesses have agreed to display and support this endeavor. I’ve hung the notices and purchased and attached the first free meals for each," Lipira wrote.

"Please support them and stop by and purchase a “meal on deck” for someone in need. We are Mastic/Shirley strong," she said.

Patch has reached out to Lipira.

Hero Haven's management welcomed anyone hungry to come in for a meal and said they would "greatly appreciate" anyone who paid for one.

Diner manager Renee Taylor told Patch the restaurant only began advertising on Wednesday and 10 meals have already been paid for.

"It's really taken off," she said.

The customer who made the suggestion bought the first meal, and a group of diners saw and decided to participate also by purchasing four separate meals in the amount of $20 apiece.

The restaurant's owners, Rosibell and Jose, thought it would be a good idea as a way of giving back to the community, and "people are loving it," Taylor said.

One woman told a friend who was in need and he came down to the diner within an hour to get a bite to eat.

"He was so grateful; he was so happy," she said, "He told me, 'You know I don't have any money to money to come in and eat in an establishment.'"

Taylor said there has been a lot of great feedback on the free meal drive so far.

"I'm hoping that other people can also participate in this area as well and just come together as a team so you know, trying to help everybody in the community," she said.