Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce will hold its second Taste of Valley Stream event on April 16, continuing an initiative that chamber leaders say is designed to bring together local businesses, residents and community organizations.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the VFW, located at 65 East Merrick Rd. Tickets are $75, with an early bird price of $65 available through March 16.
According to chamber board member Lauri LoQuercio, the Taste of Valley Stream was first launched as the chamber became more active in recent years and sought to create an event that involved the entire community.
“We are so diverse, and our food is so diverse, so it really is a way to give people exposure to things outside of their norm, because if you don’t try new things, you won’t know if you like them or not,” LoQuercio said. “And we have found that so many people tried things and they were pleased with what they were unaccustomed to, and now they patronize these establishments, so it’s really good for everybody all around.”
The inaugural event was held last year to celebrate the Valley Stream Fire Department’s 100th anniversary and raise awareness of the department’s need for new members.
Last year’s event featured 15 food vendors, all of whom were either located in Valley Stream or members of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce. Participants included a mix of small, locally owned restaurants and larger corporate establishments that operate within the community. Vendors ranged from Spartan Grill and Balkh Kabab House to Key Food, Tepache and BJ’s Brewhouse. Nontraditional food providers, such as Northwell Health and The Bristal at North Woodmere, also participated.
Students from a local culinary program assisted with serving food at last year’s event, helping them develop both front-of-house and back-of-house skills. Community volunteers also supported vendors throughout the evening.
This year’s Taste of Valley Stream will shift its focus to honoring “unsung heroes” in the community: local food pantries.
“In light of the recent events, our food pantries have become such an important resource to our community because of the SNAP cuts and the delay in SNAP last year, and just so many people being unemployed or underemployed and needing some assistance, it’s really sad,” LoQuercio said. “Food insecurity is invisible. People can live in a beautiful house and drive a beautiful car, but their circumstances could change in a day, and they don’t have enough food to feed their families. Or it’s making a choice between buying prescriptions or food.”
The chamber will recognize three Valley Stream-based food pantries and the women who run them: House of Hope at Bethlehem Assembly of God, led by Norma Pascualini; The Church of the Blessed Sacrament food pantry, led by Judy Miccio; and Holy Name of Mary Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, led by Sister Margie Kelly.
These pantries function as community outreach centers, providing not only food but also information about resources such as heating assistance and utility support. She noted that the pantries serve residents regardless of religious affiliation.
During the event, each pantry will receive a plaque, and monetary donations will be made to support their work.
The chamber also plans to expand the event this year with a mix of returning and new food vendors. Culinary students are expected not only to assist but also to serve some of their own food, showcasing what they are learning.
Proceeds from the event will support both the honored food pantries and the ongoing work of the chamber, which includes community initiatives, beautification efforts and educational programs for local businesses.
Additional information and tickets for the event can be accessed on valleystreamchamber.org.
