Feeding the Community: How People Loving People Nourishes Oyster Bay

In the heart of Oyster Bay, a small storefront on Audrey Avenue has become a beacon of hope for local residents. This is the home of People Loving People, a nonprofit organization that has evolved from a pop-up food pantry to a thriving community hub, providing not just sustenance, but also a sense of dignity and belonging.

Empowering the Community, One Meal at a Time

Humble Beginnings, Lasting Impact

Valerie Monroy, 57, of Commack, and her sister Donna Galgano, 60, of Bayville, started a pop-up food pantry in Oyster Bay just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began. What started as a small-scale operation quickly grew into a lifeline for the community, with the sisters' drive-thru pantry helping up to 500 families a day at its peak. In 2021, they took the next step, moving into a storefront on Audrey Avenue, transforming their vision into a permanent fixture in the town."We wanted to create a place that was a dignified shopping experience for people that have to use a resource center," Monroy explained. "We didn't want to just hand them a bag of dented cans and stale bread. We wanted it to be something that they felt was like a little market that they could come to."

A Holistic Approach to Community Needs

People Loving People's mission extends far beyond just providing food. The organization also runs English-language learning classes for adults and offers child care services, recognizing the diverse needs of the community it serves. Monroy noted that many of the people in the community didn't speak English, making it difficult for them to communicate with their children's teachers. The nonprofit's ESL classes, held twice a week at the First Presbyterian Church in Oyster Bay, have become a lifeline for approximately 15 students.Furthermore, the organization identified another pressing issue – the struggle many of the ESL students faced with childcare. In response, People Loving People introduced an after-school homework helpers program, catering to both K-2 and third- through sixth-grade students, allowing parents to attend the English classes while their children receive academic support.

A Dedicated Team Powering the Cause

The success of People Loving People is a testament to the hard work and commitment of its core team. Monroy said the organization depends on a group of about 30 volunteers and a part-time driver, who are instrumental in keeping the operation running smoothly. Through grants and donations, the nonprofit maintains an annual operating budget of around 0,000, which allows it to continue serving the community."During COVID they were a lifeline for countless people, and they've continued in generously assisting all who walk through their doors," said Rob Brusca, a board member of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, underscoring the vital role People Loving People has played in the community.

Addressing the Broader Challenge of Food Insecurity

The need for organizations like People Loving People is evident in the broader context of food insecurity on Long Island. Feeding America, a national network of food banks, food pantries, and local meal programs, estimates that 44,780 children in Nassau and Suffolk counties were food insecure in 2022. Furthermore, a state Department of Health report released earlier this year found that more than 1 in 5 Long Island adults worry about having enough money to buy nutritious meals.Katrina Hill, vice president of network relations and capacity building at Long Island Cares, praised People Loving People's approach, noting that 60% of the people served at the pantry are native Spanish speakers. Hill emphasized that the organization's mission, "To love and help others," is embodied by its commitment to allowing clients to select food based on their cultural and dietary preferences."This empowers the community, engages the community, encourages better health outcomes, and provides dignity and respect to all who visit," Hill said in a statement. Long Island Cares, one of the food banks that supplies People Loving People, recognizes the nonprofit's holistic approach to addressing the complex issue of food insecurity.