Fresh berries and vegetables were harvested, weeds pulled and farmland prepared as state senators, legislative interns and volunteers spent the day working at Island Harvest's Healthy Harvest Farm in Brentwood, supporting an effort to provide fresh produce to Long Islanders experiencing food insecurity.
The volunteer event marked the third annual Senate Farm Day of Action, an initiative led by State Sen. Steve Rhoads that brings Long Island senators together for a day of hands-on service focused on hunger relief, sustainability and strengthening local food systems.
Working alongside Island Harvest staff and volunteers, participants harvested produce, weeded fields and helped maintain the farm. The fruits and vegetables grown at the farm are distributed to Long Islanders facing food insecurity and can reach dinner tables as soon as the following day.
"Fighting hunger requires more than just talking about the problem—it requires action, compassion, and a commitment to serving our communities," Rhoads, who represents the 5th Senate District, said. "The Senate Farm Day of Action is a great reminder that even a few hours of hands-on work can make a meaningful difference for families across Long Island. By supporting Island Harvest's Healthy Harvest Farm, we are helping provide fresh, locally grown food to our neighbors while strengthening the partnerships that make our communities stronger. I am grateful to Senator Murray, our interns, volunteers, and the entire Island Harvest team for their dedication to this important mission."
Volunteers also received a behind-the-scenes look at the operation of Healthy Harvest Farm, which is managed by one full-time staff member, Cassidy, with the support of volunteers. Cassidy guided participants throughout the day and explained the farm's role in supplying fresh produce to Island Harvest's hunger relief efforts.
Rhoads thanked Cassidy, Island Harvest President and Chief Executive Randi Shubin Dresner and the organization's staff for their continued work addressing food insecurity across Long Island.
State Sen. Dean Murray, who represents the 3rd Senate District, also participated in the event.
"One of the greatest strengths of so many communities on Long Island is their willingness to come together to help our neighbors in need. I was proud to volunteer at this year's Island Harvest's Long Island Senators Farm Day, where we helped plant and prepare crops that will provide fresh, nutritious food to Long Islanders experiencing food insecurity. Every seed planted represents hope for families who may not know where their next meal will come from. Thank you to all the volunteers who continue to dedicate their time and energy to this important mission. By working together, we can help ensure that more of our neighbors have access to healthy food while strengthening the spirit of compassion and service that makes Long Island such a special place to call home," Murray said.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of Sens. Dean Murray and Steve Rhoads, not just in Albany and their districts, but here at our Healthy Harvest Farm," Shubin Dresner said. "Our hardworking, community-minded senators spent the morning harvesting wholesome and nutritious locally grown fruits and vegetables that will feed our neighbors across Long Island. We always look forward to their Senate Day of Service with us, and we invite all our elected representatives to spend time at our farm, centrally located at the Sisters of St. Joseph campus in Brentwood."
