New food pantry to come to Valley Stream

  • 2023-03-25
New York state funding has been awarded to Long Island Cares for its latest Valley Stream food pantry.

Over the past two years, Long Island Cares has had a pop-up pantry at the Presbyterian Church of Valley Stream. Chief Program Officer of Long Island Cares, Dr. Jessica Rosati, said that the organization saw first-hand the great need of some Valley Stream residents.

Long Island Cares then worked with Michaelle Solages, an assemblywoman from Valley Stream, to secure a $200,000 grant through the Office of Children and Family Services. These funds will be used to build a new permanent location on Rockaway Avenue close to the Long Island Railroad station.

Banner printing is often used at such sites to make the community aware of new amenities. The assistance of Representative Gregory Meeks enabled the organization to receive an additional amount of $320,000 at the federal level.

Rosati said that the site still needs a great deal of work before it can be opened. She said it will be set up similarly to a supermarket, affording people the dignity and opportunity to select the items they want.

Once the food pantry opens, it will be the ninth location of Long Island Cares in Suffolk and Nassau counties. It will focus on those living in the areas of Franklin and Elmont Square.