The pandemic has caused a record number of Long Islanders to deal with food insecurity this holiday season.
The Town of Hempstead has approved a $400,000 grant that will help Long Island Harvest continue its program to deliver 120,000 meals to residents who are homebound.
Hundreds of cars lined up at a food distribution site in Hempstead Friday as volunteers handed out 1,000 boxes of food.
The long line of cars has become a common site at food distribution sites throughout Long Island and across the country.
Officials say the need has remained high throughout the year and they don't expect it to come down anytime soon, continuing well into next year.
Randi Dresner with Island Harvest says the need has increased by 100%.
Federal money is about to run out at the end of the year and officials are urging Congress to act.
Earlier this week, Long Island Cares sent the incoming Biden-Harris administration a letter asking that a presidential commission on food insecurity be established.