Long Island Group Working To Feed Veterans During Pandemic

LONG ISLAND, NY — A Long Island Facebook group is working to help feed local veterans — now more than ever.

Three years ago, local resident Rena Sylvester started Cooking for Long Island Veterans, which organizes members to cook simple meals or provide takeout for Long Island veterans.

Sylvester has been supporting veterans for 13 years and sending meals to veterans groups for over five years. Since she started the group, it has grown to around 40 members, who help contribute meals, delivery time and/or funds to over 50 veterans living in the Brookhaven, Islip, Smithtown and Riverhead areas.

During the coronavirus pandemic the group has not slowed down. The members have been working for months to meet the increased demand for meals and make deliveries safely.

"I started this group to help our local heroes," Sylvester said. "During the coronavirus pandemic our mission is more important than ever and I want to thank all of our volunteers and contributors for their help in ensuring our local military veterans are receiving home-cooked meals throughout the week."

Since she began the group, Sylvester has provided about 500 meals a week for veterans. Now, she says the group needs help in so many ways. Volunteer drivers to deliver meals are sorely needed, as are people to help to pack boxes, clean and perform intake evaluation. The group is also looking for connections to restaurants, delis, pizzerias and stores to donate leftovers.