Veterans

Those who have served our nation in combat often face exceptional obstacles readjusting to civilian life.  These may range from severe physical injuries to post traumatic stress disorder, or even the challenges of beginning new careers in a weak economy.

Families of those serving, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice, often have difficulties making ends meet, some may bear the psychological scars of extended absences or lost loved one. Long Island has the second largest veteran population in the United States. To help the many who are struggling and in need of food assistance, Island Harvest launched Operation: HOPE – a program specifically designed to assist veterans and the families of active-duty personnel deployed overseas.

If you are a veteran and need help, please contact Donnie Blankenship at 631-873-4775 X:259 or Donnie@islandharvest.org

Staff along with volunteers who also are veterans, and working with local veterans’ organizations, Operation: HOPE delivers food and supplies to the doors of Long Island veterans and their families 2 days a week.  In addition, Operation: HOPE volunteers and staff provide information and referrals to link veterans and military families with benefits and services that can help them.

Our Community Mobile Markets, including the Operation: HOPE veterans’ program, and our Senior Feeding Program, supported nearly 16,000 individuals—comprising seniors, veterans, military families, active-duty personnel, and more—supplementing more than 207,000 meals.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that impacted veterans, service members, their families, and their caregivers thrive long after they return home.