Fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods full of protein were distributed to hundreds of Glen Cove residents last week, when the Farm to Truck program stopped at the city’s Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County office in Glen Cove, expanding access to nutritious food as grocery costs continue to rise.
Operated by Long Island Cares, a nonprofit organization and the main food bank on Long Island, the mobile initiative delivers fresh, locally sourced produce directly to communities using a refrigerated truck designed to function like a small farmers market. The program gives residents a chance to choose their own food based on family size, rather than receiving pre-packed bags.
More than 400 people attended two distributions held at the EOC site on Glen Cove Avenue. The nonprofit social services organization that serves as a central resource for residents in need, offering food assistance, housing guidance, job readiness programs and other services to individuals and families. While its regular food pantry is limited to registered clients, the EOC also hosts broader community distributions and outreach initiatives intended to reach a wider population, particularly those facing financial challenges because of the region’s high cost of living.
The April 10 event was divided into morning and afternoon distributions, according to Program Director Irma Jeanty.
“There were over 200 [families] that received food that morning,” Jeanty said. The event was open to all Glen Cove residents. The EOC opens its food pantry to regular clients once a month.
Residents who attended pointed to rising costs as a key factor. Stephanie Evans, of Glen Cove, said she came for vegetables.
“Everything is too expensive now,” Evans said. “It keeps food in the house so my family doesn’t have to starve.”
The rate of inflation rose in March, increasing 0.9 percent from the previous month and 3.3 percent compared with a year earlier, according to the latest Consumer Price Index, with energy costs driving the overall gain.
The event filled a need for many in the area, Evans said. “It’s good for the community,” she said. “There’s a lot of people out here that need help like this.”
Olga Cruz, who heard about the event from her mother, said the assistance is especially important for families trying to manage increasing expenses. “It helps out a lot for my kids, with how much my groceries cost today,” she said. “It’s really helpful for the community — there’s a lot of people struggling, and the groceries are so expensive.”
The morning distribution focused on fresh fruits and vegetables. Residents received items including sweet potatoes. The afternoon session expanded the offerings to chicken, shrimp and salmon.
Volunteers said the program’s emphasis on fresh food sets it apart from traditional pantry offerings. Greg Gelauro said that access to healthier options is a key benefit. “I love that we can offer fresh produce to people that normally get canned goods, which is really not that healthy for you,” Gelauro said. “There’s a health factor to this that I’m in love with.”
The Farm to Truck program is supported in part by a $250,000 grant from Bank of America, which funded the refrigerated vehicle that transports and distributes food. The initiative is designed to make healthy eating more accessible by bringing farm-fresh food directly to neighborhoods in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
In 2024, Long Island Cares distributed more than 16 million pounds of food to more than 330 partner sites, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and senior facilities.
The need for food assistance remains significant across Long Island. According to Feeding America data, roughly 313,880 people experience food insecurity, including 71,500 children. About 40 percent of those households have incomes that are above the poverty line, but still struggle to afford food due to the region’s high cost of living.
“What I come to find out is a lot of people are working,” Jeanty said. “However, with the inflation, with food and the way things are, I’ve seen a lot more people coming that are actually working, but with all the bills, food becomes a scarcity.”
The work, she said, is deeply personal, and despite the challenges, the response from residents reinforces the importance of the effort.
“When you’re able to give it to the client, they are so appreciative,” Jeanty said. “It really is needed in the community.”
The Glen Cove EOC plans to host another Farm to Truck event in May, with a date to be determined.
