Where and how to lend a helping hand

Imagine being a recent immigrant without access to much, a senior citizen on a fixed income forced to count every penny, a homeless person struggling to survive on the street or anyone who has recently endured a major trauma. These are the people who rely on others for help at food pantries across Nassau County.

Nassau is the 13th wealthiest county in the United States, but according to the 2014 New York State Community Action Association Poverty Report, some 83,867 people live in poverty in the county.

Many food pantries experience their greatest need around the holidays. There are hundreds of food pantries in Nassau, with many concentrated in Hempstead. Below are a few of the largest. For a more complete list, see liherald.com.

Subhed: Island Harvest

One organization that makes a difference, without serving people directly at its facility, is Island Harvest, which has headquarters at 199 Second St. in Mineola. The group collects food for distribution to 570 member agencies across Long Island, according to Joan Flynn, the group’s volunteer and community relations manager.

Island Harvest also directly serves older adults in need through its Senior Mobile Food Pantry, which is stocked with rice, canned protein, pasta and breakfast items, as well as fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, meat and poultry. Island Harvest schedules regular weekly distributions to “clients” in low-income neighborhoods or senior housing developments.

Island Harvest also sponsors Operation: Hope. “This organization gives food to military families in need,” Murray said. The group distributes food twice a week. It needs volunteers to help with deliveries.

Island Harvest accepts food donations at its community drop-off sties, including Panera, Roslyn Savings Bank and McDonald’s. Flynn said that donors can also drop off food at Island Harvest’s two warehouses, at 875 Jerusalem Ave. in Uniondale and 40 Marcus Blvd. in Hauppauge.