New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 1 recently celebrated the awarding of more than $55,000 in grant funding to two regionally impactful not-for-profits, Pronto of Long Island and Family Service League Inc. These two grantees are among eight Long Island grant recipients addressing food insecurity, helping New Yorkers in need, and helping the environment by reducing food waste.  

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced more than $11 million to support emergency food relief for New Yorkers in need, including $5 million for nearly 100 not-for-profit organizations as part of DEC’s Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grant program. The remaining $6 million supports a renewed partnership with Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks, including Long Island Cares and Island Harvest, by funding critical staffing and essential operations at food banks and their local partners statewide.

DEC awarded the Family Service League with a $5,500 grant to help purchase a refrigerator and deep freezer at their Bay Shore location. This equipment will allow the League to serve more clients at their emergency food pantry by increasing their ability to expand food variety, support emergency distributions, and accommodate new partnerships. The Family Service League was originally founded as a social service agency in 1926 and expanded to offer more than 60 social service programs at more than 20 locations. The League assists with shelter and nutrition for the homeless, addiction and mental health services, among many other services to the community. 

Pronto of Long Island, Inc. was awarded a $50,550 grant to purchase a new walk-in freezer/refrigerator, two new refrigerators, and to make needed repairs to an existing walk-in refrigeration unit. This vital grant will allow Pronto to increase their capacity and donate more food to those in need. Pronto of Long Island, Inc. started serving the community 55 years ago at St. Anne’s Church in Brentwood. The not-for-profit has grown through the years, and in 2005, the group was able to build a 10,000-square-foot facility in Bay Shore. Pronto’s mission is simple: “to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, welcome the stranger, and provide healing and hope to everyone who walks through our doors.” 

A full list of awardees is available on DEC’s website.

The grants are just one way DEC is demonstrating the State’s commitment to vulnerable New Yorkers impacted by devastating federal cuts to, or uncertainty surrounding, social programs that feed communities across the nation.

DEC also administers the State’s nation-leading Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law which helps reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling. Governor Hochul previously announced a record 63 million pounds of food collected from the state's largest food-related businesses to feed hungry New Yorkers. The milestone is a direct result of DEC funding to capture new food donations and help build stronger, healthier communities. Watch a video announcing the latest record food donation milestone held during Climate Week and Hunger Action Month in September 2025: https://youtu.be/xlt4A8CNOGE

Each year, DEC partners with the Venison Donation Coalition and Feeding New York State through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, not-for-profit organizations like Feeding New York State's regional food banks, and deer processors. Hunters contribute nearly 40 tons of venison each year and, in 2024 alone, DEC issued more than $21,000 in hunter-donated funds to Feeding New York State and the Venison Donation Coalition. Hunters can learn more about how to participate here. 

DEC’s efforts complement other ways New York State is leading on affordability, hunger prevention, and food diversion. The launch of free lunches for all children in New York schools is one of the latest examples, with others including: Nourish New York program; 30 Percent NYS Initiative for school meals; Farm-to-School program; FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative; Food Access Expansion Grant Program; Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs; and Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grants Programs, among other funding initiatives.

Photos from the event are available here.