Senator Flanagan Honored By Island Harvest

John J. Flanagan

September 28, 2010

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) was recently honored by Island Harvest President and Chief Executive Randi Shubin Dresner for his continuing support of the organization.  To commemorate his commitment to helping the organization feed Long Island’s families who are in need, Senator Flanagan was presented with a framed photo of Island Harvest’s 53’ refrigerated trailer which was fully funded through an $80,000 grant that he secured.

“Senator Flanagan has always been one of the first to ask what he can do to help and we just wanted to say thank you.  From helping secure much-needed funding to working on the front lines at our various events, he has been an exceptional friend to Island Harvest.  We are thrilled that he is always by our side in the fight against hunger,” stated Ms. Shubin Dresner.

Island Harvest has grown to become the third largest food rescue organization in the United States and the largest hunger relief organization on Long Island.  They are assisted by over 1,000 active and trained volunteers and a staff of 18.  Each year, they deliver over seven million pounds of food per year, supplementing about 5.4 million meals.

The refrigerated truck Senator Flanagan sponsored gives Island Harvest the ability to transport perishable foods. This helps broaden its efforts to help those in need and expand its reach into the communities it serves.

“Island Harvest is a critical component of our area’s efforts to help those in need and it is my privilege to work with them.  While I certainly am grateful for their acknowledgment of my efforts, it is the work of their dedicated staff and selfless volunteers that deserves to be recognized because they are truly the ones who make the biggest difference,” stated Senator Flanagan.

Senator Flanagan pointed out that Island Harvest is always looking for community help and donations to continue their efforts.  For more information on Island Harvest or to find out how to help other useful programs on Long Island, residents can visit www.senatorflanagan.com and click on the Helping Long Islanders In Need link in the Senate Update section.