DeRiggi-Whitton: Coming together to fight hunger in Nassau County

Listen to this article

For many of us, the end of the year is a time for reflection and giving thanks for the achievements and milestones of the prior 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 stuck together–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.

Here 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 Nassau County’s $385 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allotment, and our districts got a fair share of these resources because of the unity, dedication and advocacy of my Democratic colleagues all throughout the year.

NOSH Delivers, which was established in March 2020 to bring food to local families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, currently serves over 700 families weekly and will be receiving $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 spanning from Glen Cove, Sea Cliff and Bayville, and everywhere in between.

In Port Washington, Plant A Row for the Hungry, an organization that I have admired for many years, will be receiving $50,000 in support of their 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.

Plant A Row engages a wonderful team of volunteers, including members of The Nichoals Center and the Helen Keller Residence, to 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 food pantries and taught countless people how to grow their own organic produce at Plant A Row’s community gardens, square foot gardens at their homes and beautifully painted pots throughout the community.

There were many other worthwhile groups that we were able to secure funding for through additional channels. This fall, we secured approvals for numerous Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax Fund grants that 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 (BID) in support of its Downtown Sounds concert series. I am 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 https://www.toysfortots.org/ to find an event near you.

Community is at the heart of all of this, and as one 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 that is filled with joy, prosperity, good health and peace.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton is the democratic minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature and represents the 11th Legislative District.