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Woman on a mission: Branches Long Island works to ease hunger and hardship

During the organization's beginning, she was giving out about 30 boxes of food and necessities a week, that number is now close to 700.

News 12 Staff

Mar 19, 2026, 1:20 PM

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Samantha Morales, the founder and president of Branches Long Island, has been helping to provide support for people and families experiencing food insecurity and financial hardships since she started her mission out of her home in 2019.

"I just really wanted there to be a safe place for people to come who are in need," Morales told News 12.

During the organization's beginning, she was giving out about 30 boxes of food and necessities a week, that number is now close to 700.

Long Island Cares and Island Harvest support Branches Long Island weekly.

Robin David, the Branches Long Island center manager, said TikTok viewers have been especially helpful in getting assistance and stocking up. After posting online about empty shelves, she says 200 Amazon boxes were delivered.

Click here, for how you can help support Branches Long Island.

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