Island Harvest

Help after the hurricane

By Erica Rascón on Apr 4, 2013 in Giving, People

Nearly six months after Hurricane Sandy swept the east coast, thousands of Long Island residents struggle to pulls their lives out of the rubble. The dire need for assistance remains. Many aid organizations have withdrawn from the region, piling a daunting load upon the few organizations that remain. Island Harvest is one of the few nonprofits that have endured in Long Island, providing food assistance to those hardest hit by the storm.

Nicole Kowaleski, Vice President of Development, recalls the spike in aid requests that followed in the wake of super storm Sandy, “In the past, we gave to 570 agencies that then helped about 300,000 people in need. After the hurricane, 90,000 additional people were in need; five months later, 30,000 of them are still displaced in addition to the population that we regularly serve.” Kowaleski maintains a level head about the extent of residents’ need. She estimates that relief efforts will continue for at least another 18 months.

“We’re targeting people in the hardest hit part of Long Island, the south shore. We’re making sure that every single person has their needs met. We give out food, water, and snacks–not just to the residents but also to first responders at pop-up sites throughout the area,” she explains. “We let people know who we are, let them know that we are here for them and that we are a resource for them.”

Rising to the occasion has posed a series of challenges for Island Harvest staff and volunteers. Several member agencies, which act as extensions of the organization, were disabled by the storm and remain inoperable. Island Harvest is helping member agencies get back on their feet. Once those agencies recover, they will be able to contribute more fully towards the cause.

Standard operations have resumed as well. Site assessors tour Nassau County and Suffolk County identifying neighborhoods that demonstrate need. It is then determined how best to meet the need: through individual food deliveries, market-style community distribution, mobile pantries, or specialized programs such as the Weekend Backpack Feeding Program which works specifically with school-aged children.

Each outreach program is funded in part by donated food, in-kind services, volunteer work and donations. 95 cent of every dollar propels hunger relief programs. “Our volunteers and staff now deliver millions of pounds of good, surplus food – much of which might otherwise go to waste – to a network of 570 Long Island-based food pantries, soup kitchens, and other non-profit organization that offer feeding services for those in need,” says Kowaleski. “We have delivered 71 million pounds of food, supplementing close to 66 million meals.”

In addition to meeting the immediate need for nourishment, Island Harvest equips clients and member agencies with the tools needed for sustainability. Access to government assistance, financial management courses, food safety, affordable housing, and health insurance services are available through the Finding Solutions Education Series. Resources in multi-lingual formats ensure that everyone has access to the information needed to build more self-sufficient families and more stable communities.

With Hurricane Sandy challenges looming in addition to standard operations, it is a wonder that Island Harvest has taken on another demographic of residents in need. Long Island is home to the second largest veteran population in the United States. In conjunction with NBTY Helping Hands Charity, Operation: HOPE is a new program that provides food assistance to veterans, their families, and the families of service members who are currently deployed. Beneficiaries also receive referrals to other programs for residents in uniform. Veterans distribute aid to their peers, creating a cycle of support and encouragement.

Island Harvest has a lot on its plate but Kowaleski knows why, and how, the nonprofit has maintained its strength through tough times. “We have a robust volunteer program. They are truly the backbone of our organization,” Kowaleski states. Anyone of any means can get involved with Island Harvest. “We can always use help packing food and supplies to hand out. We also have the regular mobile food pantries where seniors can come and ‘shop’ and we always need volunteers to help with those programs. We’re also looking for volunteers to help with backpack programs to distribute to kids who are in need over the weekends because they don’t receive the reduced cost breakfasts and lunches that they receive during the week. There are daily food drives. We also have projects in our 24,000 square foot warehouse where we sort the food. We could use help in both areas.”

Those interested in volunteering as a team can take advantage of the Corporate Recovery Team Initiatives where business and community groups distribute food in hard-hit areas. Even those without much time to spare can contribute towards the cause. “You can also speak with your legislature to let them know that food insecurity is still an issue,” suggests Kowaleski.

Those interested in promoting food security can participate in the organization’s upcoming fundraisers. The National Association of Letter Carrier’s food drive begins on May 11. This unique method allows donors to leave food items near their mailboxes. Postal workers then pick up the donations and deliver them to Island Harvest headquarters where they are sorted and distributed. Island Harvest’s annual 5k will take place on June 15. This year, participants can raise funds online while spreading the word about the organization.

Piece of the Harvest has proven to be Kowaleski’s favorite fundraiser. This food tasting event occurs each October. 30 restaurants offer their signature dishes to honored guests, 85 percent of which are return sponsors. “People from all walks of life come together to share the meals. It has been happening for 20 years and it’s one of our most successful events,” says Kowaleski. “We get to honor the restaurants that help us while thanking our top sponsors. We also spotlight an honoree each year. It’s a special event that guests really enjoy.”

To discover more ways to contribute to Island Harvest’s mission to end hunger, visit the organization’s How to Help page.