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Billy Joel Foundation Aids Food Assistance Efforts Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Foundation is teaming with Harry Chapin’s organization Long Island Cares to provide food to those across Long Island struggling to get fresh and nutritious meals during the pandemic.

Joel shared a note on Twitter detailing the new partnership, explaining that his foundation has previously worked with Long Island Cares and “supported their work with food pantries and soup kitchens across Long Island for the past decade.” While COVID-19 has increased the need for nutritious food, the note continued, the health risks associated with the pandemic have caused food banks to hemorrhage staff and volunteers.

To aid Long Island Cares, the Joel Foundation said it has purchased freezer units and additional equipment that will be set up in Long Island Cares’ facility in Hampton Bays. The move comes as the need for food assistance is expected to rise significantly on the East End of Long Island, especially for farm workers and those in the hospitality industry who rely on the busy summer vacation months.

“The new equipment will service the entire East End and will now allow for transport of perishables and frozen goods to the East End pantries and soup kitchens,” Joel’s note said. “We are hopeful this will aid the current shortage and the limited availability families are currently experiencing.”

The Joel Foundation’s partnership with Long Island Care marks the second in a series of donations to aid coronavirus relief efforts. The initiative was announced at the end of March and began with a $500,000 donation to Bethenny Frankel’s BStrong organization to buy personal protective equipment for healthcare workers across New York State.