Shocking Solutions: LI Cares Staff Turn Shelter Food into Healthy, Delicious Meals

At Long Island Cares, Samantha Somers and Laura Simmons are the unsung heroes ensuring that healthy eating is accessible to all. Working in the Network Relations department, they support over 300 food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens across Long Island. Their dedication has earned them the title of 'behind-the-scenes champions,' as they tirelessly work to improve the community's nutritional well-being. With their expertise and passion, they make a significant impact on countless lives every day.

Samantha and Laura have committed themselves to teaching people that nutritious meals can be affordable and delicious. They focus on providing practical knowledge that helps food-insecure individuals make healthier choices without breaking the bank. By emphasizing the use of low-cost, readily available ingredients, they empower their community to maintain a balanced diet. Their efforts not only address hunger but also promote overall health and well-being among those they serve.

Through interactive workshops and cooking demonstrations, Samantha and Laura showcase how to transform basic pantry staples into tasty, nutritious meals. They use items commonly found in food pantries, such as rice, beans, canned vegetables, and lean proteins, demonstrating creative ways to prepare them without the need for extensive kitchen equipment. Their engaging presentations make healthy eating approachable and fun, inspiring participants to try new recipes and techniques in their own homes.

Samantha and Laura offer a wealth of practical advice for eating healthy on a budget. They encourage the use of coupons and store rewards programs to maximize savings, and recommend buying seasonal produce and generic brands to keep costs low. Additionally, they advise shopping the perimeter of the supermarket, where fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy products are typically located. These strategies help individuals make smart food choices that are both economical and nourishing.

One of their significant contributions is the Healthy Pantry Initiative, which aims to enhance the quality of food available in pantries. This program focuses on promoting fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, making nutritious options more visible and accessible to clients. By collaborating with local farms and agencies like ECLI-Vibes, the initiative ensures that communities receive fresh, wholesome foods along with easy-to-follow recipes. This holistic approach supports healthier lifestyles and fosters a stronger, more resilient community.

Samantha Somers and Laura Simmons exemplify the true spirit of community service through their unwavering commitment to promoting healthy eating on a budget. Their innovative approaches and practical guidance have made a lasting difference in the lives of many, helping to combat food insecurity while fostering better health outcomes. As Long Island Cares continues to support those in need, the efforts of these behind-the-scenes champions serve as an inspiring example of how dedication and expertise can create meaningful change.