Island Harvest and the SPCA are offering temporary food assistance to workers hit by the federal government shutdown.
“We at Island Harvest Food Bank recognize that some federal workers living on Long Island are struggling to put food on their families’ tables due to the region’s high cost of living,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “A prolonged period without a paycheck can often mean the difference between choosing to eat, or pay other obligations such as a utility bill, car insurance, the mortgage, childcare or even medicine, so we want to let people know that Island Harvest Food Bank is here to assist if needed.”
Island Harvest Food Bank will provide direct supplemental food assistance, and access to resources including, but not limited to, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), nutrition-education programs; job training; and direct services targeted at children, senior citizens, veterans, and others at risk of food insecurity.
The food bank will also provide referrals as needed through its network of 450 community-based agencies in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Island Harvest Food Bank can be reached at 516-294-8528, or 631-873-4775, or on the web at www.islandharvest.org. The food bank is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Island Harvest Food Bank stresses that all inquiries are strictly confidential, and all people served are treated with respect.
“It’s important that people understand there’s no shame in asking for help and we want to reassure people facing a potential crisis that we can be the helping hand they need,” concluded Ms. Shubin Dresner.
The SPCA is offering free pet food to Federal Government Employees and their families who might be experiencing a financial hardship during the government shutdown.