Monday, February 10, 2025
For many of us, the end of the year is a time for reflection, and giving thanks for the achievements and milestones of the past 12 months. As I approach the conclusion of my first year as minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, I am thankful to the members of my caucus, and how we have stuck together — and particularly, how our unity empowered us to achieve major goals and secure funding for an array of worthwhile projects and organizations in the communities we serve.
In the 11th District, I am happy to report that we are delivering significant resources for two hunger-fighting organizations. These grants were set aside from the county’s $385 million American Rescue Plan Act allotment, and our districts got a fair share of these resources because of the unity, dedication and advocacy of my Democratic colleagues all year long.
NOSH Delivers, which was established in March of 2020 to distribute food to local families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, currently serves over 700 families each week, and will receive $43,000. My parents continue to volunteer for NOSH, and I am so grateful to all of the volunteers who work selflessly to combat food insecurity in communities from Glen Cove to Sea Cliff to Bayville, and everywhere in between.
In Port Washington, Plant a Row for the Hungry, an organization that I have admired for many years, will receive $50,000 in support of its mission. Founded by Marvin Makofsky, Plant a Row is dedicated to mobilizing the Port Washington community to grow and distribute locally grown produce to families in need. It has a wonderful team of volunteers, including members of the Nicholas Center and the Helen Keller Residence, who care for the plants and deliver the harvest to local food pantries.
Since its inception in 2010, Plant a Row has delivered 62,000 pounds of produce to pantries, and taught countless people how to grow their own organic produce at its community gardens, in square-foot gardens at their homes and in beautifully painted pots throughout the community.
There were many other worthwhile groups for which we were able to secure funding through other channels. This fall, we got approvals for numerous Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax Fund grants, which help local cultural agencies draw tourists to our region. One of those approvals was a long-awaited $7,000 hotel-motel grant for the Glen Cove Business Improvement District in support of its Downtown Sounds concert series. I’m already looking forward to 2025, and will be applying for additional grant funding for next season’s shows.
As a legislator, this is the type of work that I find to be most rewarding. In this season of giving and beyond, I encourage everyone to give what they can to local organizations that are gathering toys to bring holiday cheer to families throughout our region. Many local organizations and businesses are collecting, so keep your eyes open for those opportunities, or visit toysfortots.org to find an event near you.
Community is at the heart of all of this, and as one of my favorite sayings goes, “It is in giving that we receive.” From my family to yours, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season filled with joy, prosperity, good health and peace.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
