Hampton Bays updates food‑pantry service and mental‑health MOU amid federal aid uncertainty
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Summary
District officials said the Food for Thought pantry is serving roughly 48 families weekly and detailed an MOU to receive one day‑per‑week social‑worker services through the Association for Mental Health and Wellness at no cost; officials also warned of possible federal Title grant cuts and SNAP changes that may affect services.
During the Nov. 18 meeting, district staff described rising need for school‑based supports and outlined short‑term responses.
Food assistance: Eric (Educational Services) said the Food for Thought school pantry, a partnership with Stop & Shop, is serving about 48 families per week and that the district is organizing holiday baskets plus gift‑card supplements for perishable items. Staff said collection bins and signage will be placed in building lobbies to broaden donation access.
Mental‑health services: Eric also said the district is recommending an MOU with the Association for Mental Health and Wellness that would provide a social worker one day per week at no cost to the district; the only district ask would be to support awareness activities and an empowerment club at the middle school.
Federal funding context: Superintendent and staff outlined that a federal SNAP benefits suspension (which temporarily affected some families) ended Oct. 31, and they noted draft federal budget proposals could cut Title I–IV grants (the superintendent estimated about a $140,000 reduction in Title grants for Hampton Bays if proposed cuts stand). Staff said the continuing resolution currently funds programs only through January, creating near‑term uncertainty for planning.
What’s next: staff said they will continue grants work and report back as funding clarity emerges and that community partners including the Rotary Club helped fund staff stipends tied to the mental‑health initiative.