More than 100 people gathered at Eisenhower Park to support Nassau County veterans and their families, collecting food and essential supplies for a local veterans pantry while walking together in recognition of those who served.
The second annual Veterans Valor Food Drive & Walk brought veterans, residents, community organizations and volunteers together for a half-mile walk around Salisbury Lake and a food drive benefiting the Vet Mart Pantry in East Meadow.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency welcomed participants to the Aug. 8 event, which organizers said was intended to honor veterans while providing tangible assistance to those in need.
Participants donated nonperishable food items that will help stock the Vet Mart Pantry, which provides food and essential household items to veterans and their families throughout Nassau County.
"The second annual Veterans Valor Food Drive & Walk was a tremendous success, taking this important effort to a new level through the meaningful partnerships and strong leadership of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency," Rhoads said. "Together, we brought our community together in support of the men and women who have served our nation. Standing side by side with our local veterans, we collected nonperishable food donations for the Veterans food pantry in East Meadow and showed that supporting those who served requires more than just words — it requires action.
"Every step we took, and every donation collected sent a powerful message that their service is appreciated and their needs matter," Rhoads continued. "The generosity of our community will help provide essential food and household items to veterans and their families, while reminding us all of the responsibility we share to honor and support those who have put their lives on the line for our country and sacrificed so much for our freedom."
Phillips similarly emphasized the importance of providing ongoing assistance to veterans beyond events recognizing their service.
"Supporting our veterans is not just something we do on one day, it is a commitment we owe every day," Phillips said. "Our veterans made extraordinary sacrifices to protect our freedoms, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the support and respect they have earned. I am proud to partner with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency to give back to those who have given so much for our nation. I thank Ralph Esposito, Director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, and his dedicated team for their tireless work on behalf of our veterans and their families."
Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, said efforts such as the food drive are part of the agency's broader mission to connect local veterans with assistance.
"Our mission at the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency is to make sure Nassau County veterans have access to the services, resources, and assistance they need," Esposito said. "Our veterans have given so much to our country and this food drive will help provide essential supplies to veterans while ensuring they know their community stands behind them. We are committed to doing everything we can to support those who served and ensure no veteran in Nassau County goes hungry."
The food collected during the event will help stock the Vet Mart Pantry in East Meadow, providing veterans and their families with food and essential household items.
The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency Food Pantry is at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building Q, in East Meadow, behind Nassau University Medical Center. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and is closed on weekends and holidays.
Veterans seeking more information or directions can call (516) 572-6565.
