Poverty and hunger remain pervasive on the East End this year as Covid-19 continues to maim the economy. Saying that "hunger will not be the new normal," East End Cares, a volunteer organization, has partnered with the Clamshell Foundation, a long-running East Hampton charity, on the Fund for Food campaign to help eradicate hunger. The initiative now boasts $126,000 in donations collected since March, with $70,000 received from the Citarella grocery stores in Southampton, Bridgehampton, and East Hampton.
"This is what community looks like," Melissa Berman, a founder of East End Cares, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
"This campaign has really been a grassroots initiative," said Christopher Barry, a member of the organization. "Most donations are $5, $10, $25, and $50. It's really about everyone pitching in what they can." Every donation counts, he stressed, whether it's $10 or $1,000.
Money collected by the Fund for Food will quickly be distributed to support sites needing resources. East End Cares and the Clamshell Foundation plan to funnel $110,000 to busy food pantries operating in East Hampton, Montauk, Springs, and Sag Harbor. The remaining $16,000 will go to Heart of the Hamptons, a Southampton-based nonprofit that assists over 1,500 East End residents with food and clothing each year.
Residents interested in participating or donating to the Fund for Food campaign can visit the Clamshell Foundation online at clamshellfoundation.org or join the East End Cares Facebook group or follow them on Instagram. Those wishing to take part in or donate to Heart of the Hamptons can visit heartofthehamptons.org or call 631-283-6415.
