On August 8, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency welcomed veterans, residents, and community organizations to Eisenhower Park for the Veterans Valor Food Drive & Walk, a community effort supporting local veterans and their families.

Over 100 participants completed a 0.5-mile walk around Salisbury Lake and donated nonperishable food items to benefit the Vet Mart Pantry in East Meadow, which provides food and essential household items to veterans and their families throughout Nassau County.

The event brought together elected officials, veterans organizations, residents, and volunteers to honor the sacrifices of those who served and demonstrate the community's commitment to supporting local veterans.

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads said: "The second annual Veterans Valor Food Drive & Walk was a tremendous success, taking this important effort to a new level through the meaningful partnerships and strong leadership of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency. Together, we brought our community together in support of the men and women who have served our nation. Standing side by side with our local veterans, we collected nonperishable food donations for the Veterans food pantry in East Meadow and showed that supporting those who served requires more than just words - it requires action. Every step we took, and every donation collected sent a powerful message that their service is appreciated and their needs matter. The generosity of our community will help provide essential food and household items to veterans and their families, while reminding us all of the responsibility we share to honor and support those who have put their lives on the line for our country and sacrificed so much for our freedom."

"Supporting our veterans is not just something we do on one day, it is a commitment we owe every day," said Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips. "Our veterans made extraordinary sacrifices to protect our freedoms, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the support and respect they have earned. I am proud to partner with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency to give back to those who have given so much for our nation. I thank Ralph Esposito, Director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, and his dedicated team for their tireless work on behalf of our veterans and their families."

“Our mission at the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency is to make sure Nassau County veterans have access to the services, resources, and assistance they need,” said Ralph Esposito, Director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency. Our veterans have given so much to our country and this food drive will help provide essential supplies to veterans while ensuring they know their community stands behind them. We are committed to doing everything we can to support those who served and ensure no veteran in Nassau County goes hungry.”

The food collected during the event will help stock the Vet Mart Pantry in East Meadow, providing veterans and their families with food and essential household items.

The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency Food Pantry, located at 2201 Hempstead Tpke., Building Q, East Meadow, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Building Q is located behind Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC). The pantry is closed on weekends and holidays. Veterans seeking information or directions call (516) 572-6565.