Senator Flanagan Joins Island Harvest To Deliver Food To Those In Need

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently joined with Island Harvest, a group he assisted by securing $75,000 in state funding last year, to deliver food to Long Island residents. Senator Flanagan and Island Harvest volunteers rallied at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown to distribute nutritious food to area non-profit agencies, all members of Island Harvest's network, for delivery in local communities.

"The opportunity to do something truly helpful is one of the greatest benefits of being an elected official. I am proud to work with Island Harvest and their partners to assist those in the Long Island community who need our help," stated Senator Flanagan. "This event is a true example of the great things that can be accomplished when people work together for the greater good."

Senator Flanagan assisted the volunteers of Island Harvest as they rolled a 24-foot truck full of nutritious items into the parking lot of the Watermill Caterers, an Island Harvest donor. They were joined by community-based non-profit agencies in delivering almost 20,000 pounds of food to Long Island residents.

The event was organized by Island Harvest to highlight the positive impact that Senator Flanagan's support has had on the Long Island community. According to Island Harvest, a recent study showed that 259,000 Long Islanders - 93,000 of them children - turn to soup kitchens, food pantries and emergency shelters each year.

In addition to such central distributions, Island Harvest staff and volunteers make direct deliveries to individual agencies.

"The Senator’s grants have made a tremendous difference in his district by helping support the vital programs and services that Island Harvest provides," said Randi Dresner, President and CEO of Island Harvest. "This special distribution is a chance for him and our other supporters to see what we do six times each week, all over Long Island -- distribute tons of nutritious, rescued food to agencies that are helping people in need."

Island Harvest serves as a bridge between those who have surplus food, such as restaurants and businesses, and those in need. Island Harvest has rescued 36 million pounds of food since its inception in 1992. The organization accepts private donations as well as corporate and legislative grants to sustain its food rescue programs. For information, please visit www.islandharvest.org or call 516-294-8528.