Valley Stream, NY- On Saturday, April 11th, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, in partnership with Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, opened a temporary emergency food distribution center at the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church located at 130 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY. The distribution will run every Saturday beginning April 11th until the time that New York State on P.A.U.S.E. regulations are lifted. This site will help provide emergency food boxes, including pet food, to families in Valley Stream and surrounding Nassau County communities that are in need. No appointments are required. Staff and volunteers will employ physical distancing practices, and visitors are requested to do the same.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a public health emergency but an economic crisis. Together with Long Island Cares Inc. and Valley Stream Presbyterian Church, we are working to combat food insecurity that is being exacerbated by this unprecedented situation,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. “This food distribution will provide hope to so many in our area. I look forward to collaborating with my neighbors to help our most vulnerable community members.”
According to Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares, “Our staff has been monitoring the increase in telephone calls, emails, and social media messages coming into our helpline and we’ve seen a high volume of requests for assistance from residents in the Valley Stream, Franklin Square, and surrounding communities. We reached out to Assemblywoman Solages’ office to offer our assistance and she was able to put us in touch with the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church who immediately offered their church facilities to serve as a distribution center on Saturdays. We will evaluate the needs to determine if we need to expand our support to additional days.”
“VSPC was extremely excited to receive the call from Assemblywoman Solages’ office. In fact, in our officers’ meeting we had just discussed different ways we might be of service during this pandemic. We thought about the children and youth that would be out of school and possibly in need of food and then we received this call,” stated Reverend Kymberley Clemons-Jones. “We praise God for the opportunity to serve families in our community in this way. We could be in this for the long haul. People are going to need as much support as possible. We are grateful that we can help.”
The following is a link to some footage taken from the distribution site this morning in Valley Stream: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugretf07eydqym4/IMG_8182.MOV?dl=0
###
About Michaelle C. Solages
Michaelle C. Solages is a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 22nd Assembly District. She serves as Chair of the Taskforce on Food, Farm & Nutrition Policy and First Vice-Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. She is a member of the following Standing Committees: Consumer Affairs and Protection, Health, Libraries and Education Technology, Racing and Wagering and Social Services. She is also a member of the Legislative Women’s Caucus. Solages represents the communities of Elmont, North Valley Stream, Valley Stream, South Valley Stream, South Floral Park, Floral Park, the Village of Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, North Woodmere, Stewart Manor, and sections of Franklin Square, Stewart Manor, and sections of Franklin Square.
For more information on Assemblywoman Solages, please visit https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Michaelle-C-Solages.
Be First to Comment