{"id":5690,"date":"2013-04-04T05:00:14","date_gmt":"2013-04-04T12:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=5690"},"modified":"2020-12-23T23:41:46","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T07:41:46","slug":"island-harvest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/island-harvest\/","title":{"rendered":"Island Harvest"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IslandNearly 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 Many aid organizations have withdrawn from the region, piling a daunting load upon the few organizations that remain.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<\/a> is one of the few nonprofits that have endured in Long Island, providing food assistance to those hardest hit by the storm.<\/p>\n

Nicole Kowaleski<\/strong>, Vice President of Development, recalls the spike in aid requests that followed in the wake of super storm Sandy, \u201cIn 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.\u201d Kowaleski maintains a level head about the extent of residents\u2019 need. She estimates that relief efforts will continue for at least another 18 months.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re targeting people in the hardest hit part of Long Island, the south shore. We\u2019re 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,\u201d she explains. \u201cWe let people know who we are, let them know that we are here for them and that we are a resource for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cOur volunteers and staff now deliver millions of pounds of good, surplus food \u2013 much of which might otherwise go to waste \u2013 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,\u201d says Kowaleski. \u201cWe have delivered 71 million pounds of food, supplementing close to 66 million meals.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Island Harvest has a lot on its plate but Kowaleski knows why, and how, the nonprofit has maintained its strength through tough times. \u201cWe have a robust volunteer program. They are truly the backbone of our organization,\u201d Kowaleski states. Anyone of any means can get involved with Island Harvest. \u201cWe can always use help packing food and supplies to hand out. We also have the regular mobile food pantries where seniors can come and \u2018shop\u2019 and we always need volunteers to help with those programs. We\u2019re also looking for volunteers to help with backpack programs to distribute to kids who are in need over the weekends because they don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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. \u201cYou can also speak with your legislature to let them know that food insecurity is still an issue,\u201d suggests Kowaleski.<\/p>\n

Those interested in promoting food security can participate in the organization\u2019s upcoming fundraisers. The National Association of Letter Carrier\u2019s 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\u2019s annual 5k will take place on June 15. This year, participants can raise funds online while spreading the word about the organization.<\/p>\n

Piece of the Harvest has proven to be Kowaleski\u2019s 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. \u201cPeople from all walks of life come together to share the meals. It has been happening for 20 years and it\u2019s one of our most successful events,\u201d says Kowaleski. \u201cWe get to honor the restaurants that help us while thanking our top sponsors. We also spotlight an honoree each year. It\u2019s a special event that guests really enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

To discover more ways to contribute to Island Harvest\u2019s mission to end hunger, visit the organization\u2019s How to Help<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

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