If you or someone you know is struggling with grocery costs, there are local programs that can help stretch food dollars beyond SNAP benefits. We wanted to share some information about SNAP Benefit Alternatives on Long Island. If you’re facing food insecurity, we’ve compiled a list of resources that can help you find alternative food options.
Island Harvest’s Healthy Harvest Program offers free produce distribution across Suffolk and Nassau. For more information, visit their website: www.islandharvest.org.
Long Island Cares Mobile Pantry provides weekly pop-ups across Long Island, offering fresh food and pantry staples. For more details, visit their website: www.licares.org.
The Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides seasonal vouchers for low-income seniors and WIC recipients. You can inquire about this program at your local WIC office or senior center.
Many towns, such as Huntington, Babylon, and Islip, offer community plots or donation-based harvests. These are great options for fresh produce and social interaction.
Halloween Crafts and Snacks!
Here is a craft for weekend Halloween fun! DIY Pumpkin Jar Lanterns are a quick and cozy craft that you can do with your kids (or decorate your space). Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mason jars or recycled glass jars
- Orange tissue paper
- Mod Podge or glue
- Black paper for faces
- LED tea lights
Here’s how you make it:
1. Tear the orange tissue paper into strips.
2. Brush Mod Podge onto the jar and layer the tissue until it’s fully covered.
3. Cut out eyes, a nose, and a mouth from black paper and glue them on.
4. Drop in a tea light, and voilà! You’ve got a glowing jack-o’-lantern that never rots!
For a healthy and festive snack to enjoy during the rest of the fall season, try our Weekend Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites. These energy bites are packed with nutrients and will keep you energized throughout the day.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Mini chocolate chips (optional, but highly encouraged!)
Instructions:
1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. These energy bites are perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up or a fall hike snack!
For more information, please visit our website at www.lecsa.org.
We hope you enjoy these Halloween-themed activities and resources!
A Final Word
LECSA continues to provide confidential support for working individuals and their families through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If you or a loved one could use some extra support this season, please reach out. We’re here to help.
Warmly,
The LECSA Team
Want to collaborate, learn more, or request a workshop?
Call us at (631) 851-1295
Email us at LECSA.info@gmail.com
