Hungry In The Hamptons: Food Pantry Receives $50K Grant To Combat Food Insecurity On East End

LONG ISLAND, NY — Those facing food insecurity on the East End have just received a helping hand.

New York State has awarded Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank $50,000 to purchase an assortment of foods for its Hampton Bays food pantry and to provide greater quantities of meat, vegetables and other nutritious choices to East End veterans, according to the organization.

Even in the tony Hamptons, dotte with million dollar mansions, there are those who go to bed hungry: The Hampton Bays pantry — the Hunger Assistance & Humanitarian Center of the Hamptons, located at 286 W. Montauk Highway — has assisted nearly 14,000 food-insecure East Enders and served 124,540 meals since January 1, Long Island Cares said.

"Long Island Cares estimates that there are 9,000 food-insecure individuals in the area. This grant will help meet the surging need with full access to nutritious and culturally relevant foods," said Dr. Jessica Rosati, vice president for Programs & Community Services.

Long Island Cares estimates that the number of food-insecure Long Islanders totals 314,000— 71,500 of whom are children.

Veterans are "top-of-mind" at Long Island Cares, with Tuesdays at its six food pantries reserved exclusively for veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces, the organization said.

Meat, produce and other food choices will be distributed to East End veterans at the Hampton Bays pantry, area events for veterans, and American Legion halls.

Long Island Cares also makes deliveries to the 106 Rescue Wing at the Francis Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.

Long Island Cares is grateful to members of the New York State Assembly for their "tireless efforts" helping to obtain the grant. The group of legislators that "vigorously sought the funding, " Long Island Cares said, includes:

• Keith Brown (AD 12) Rebecca Kassay (AD 4)
• Noah Burroughs (AD 11) Charles Lavine (AD 13)
• Maritza Davila (AD 53) David McDonough (AD 14)
• Joe DeStefano (AD 3) Kwani O’Pharrow (AD 11)
• Michael Durso (AD 9) Phil Ramos (AD 6)
• Jarett Gandolfo (AD 7) Doug Smith (AD 5)
• Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas (AD 34)
• Rebecca Kassay (AD 4)
• Charles Lavine (AD 13)
• David McDonough (AD 14)
• Kwani O'Pharrow (AD 11)
• Phil Ramos (AD 6)
• Doug Smith (AD 5)

Michael Haynes, vice president for Government Relations, Advocacy & Social Policy, reflected on the grant: "This funding gives us the capacity to do even more for East End veterans and service members still sacrificing to keep us safe. This timely funding will help us do even more for these brave men and women this upcoming holiday season."

Added Kassay: "This grant is essential in giving local families access to nutritious meals. No one, especially our community’s children, should have to worry about when they might have their next meal. I thank the dedicated team at Long Island Cares for their ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in our region. I am honored to support them in their goal to feed families across Suffolk County through this incredible programming."

"This grant is more than just funding — it’s a lifeline for families in need and a voice for compassion," Durso said. "Thank you to Long Island Cares for your tireless efforts to make a positive difference in our community."