As the holiday season approaches, the food pantry at Long Island Cares in Valley Stream experienced a sharp 120 percent increase in patrons between Oct. 27 and Nov. 3.
According to the organization, it marked the greatest increase reported across its six pantry locations during that span following the temporary interruption in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“I think that people think that it’s always for somebody less fortunate, but it really isn’t,” said Nichole Rojas, program center coordinator for West Nassau Center for Food Assistance and Community Support. “Everybody’s struggling right now on Long Island, and basically, it could be for anybody, and you don’t know anybody’s situation.
“There is middle class — there’s everything that comes here, but the main point is to help one another and to keep going,” she continued. “That’s my main concern, and I think it should be everybody’s main concern.”
Rojas recalled that the Valley Stream location saw heavy activity in short, concentrated waves. She described the flow of visitors as occurring in spurts, with certain mornings or afternoons becoming extremely busy with little warning. As the number of patrons grew, Rojas relied on her volunteer team to help manage walkthroughs, distribute food and complete the required paperwork so the pantry could maintain smooth operations.
The pantry receives one scheduled delivery each week, usually on Wednesdays, serving as the main restock, but community donations have become increasingly important as the number of visitors has risen.
Support from local organizations has helped stabilize supplies during the recent spike. Several food drives are underway, including contributions from the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, playing a meaningful role in helping the pantry stay prepared, Rojas noted.
“I wanted to thank the community, basically, for giving the donations and helping us out during a time of need right now,” Rojas said. “We greatly appreciate it, and we hope everybody just keeps on giving, if they can. That’s really the main thing, that people are supportive and helping each other out.”
Patrons regularly take a mix of items, with fresh produce being especially popular when available. Shelf-stable foods such as canned vegetables and beans remain consistent staples. Rojas added that the pantry has been running low on items that are less commonly donated, such as baby supplies and personal care products. Pet food has also become one of the most asked-for items, with many visitors seeking assistance feeding their cats and dogs.
With Thanksgiving approaching, the Valley Stream pantry is receiving turkeys and holiday-related items that will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the site has been open for almost two years, Rojas said the holiday season has already proven to be one of the busiest times of the year. She noted that some visitors who do not come regularly tend to arrive in November and December, when overall household budgets tighten. Many families, she explained, face added financial pressure due to holiday spending and adjust food expenses accordingly.
Ensuring that enough food is available for everyone remains Rojas’s primary concern, particularly in light of the recent spike in demand at the pantry. Despite the challenges in meeting the needs of larger crowds, she said, the appreciation expressed by visitors continues to motivate her and the volunteers.
For Mercedes Cadieux, a 72-year-old Valley Stream resident, the pantry has become a critical support system during a difficult stretch. She has been visiting the location for a little more than a year, and had never before made use of a food pantry.
Cadieux receives multiple forms of government assistance, which dwindled during the recent shutdown of the federal government. But she managed by going without certain items and by relying on support from her three adult children. She said she visits the pantry only when necessary, leaving resources available for others who may need them more. The pantry’s proximity has helped her access food consistently, particularly as she manages significant health issues, including an upcoming abdominal surgery.
She described the pantry environment as supportive and said that staff members treat visitors with care. Cat food has been especially important for her, since feeding her “fuzzy kid” can be costly on a limited income.
“Thank God they’re here, and thank God for cat food,” Cadieux said. “I also donate a couple of things sometimes, if I have, you know, when you give, you get, right?”
She plans to pick up a turkey for the holiday through the site, saying that preparing a family meal can be difficult without assistance due to rising food prices.
Cadieux said she often encourages others to visit the pantry if they need support. “They treat everyone like family,” Cadieux said. “Let’s put it this way, I guess that’s who we are, family. The people who come to the pantries become family.”
