Stony Brook Hospital Recognized for Donating Surplus Meals

Food Rescue US - North Fork chapter honors hospital for redirecting extra food to local groups in need.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:06pm

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The North Fork chapter of Food Rescue US, a national organization fighting food insecurity, has recognized Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport for donating surplus meals from its Greenhouse Grill to local groups that help families in need. The hospital was presented with a plaque for its efforts to reduce food waste while ensuring nutritious meals reach those who need them.

Why it matters

Food waste is a significant issue, with an estimated 40% of all food produced in the United States going uneaten. By partnering with Food Rescue US, Stony Brook Hospital is taking steps to address this problem and support its local community by redirecting surplus food to those experiencing food insecurity.

The details

In 2025, the hospital donated 1,961 pounds of food, more than doubling the 937 pounds recovered in 2024. Marlene Parrish from the Greenhouse Grill works with Food Rescue volunteer Holly Cato to safely package prepared meals for pickup and distribution. The program is supported by Robert Galinski, the hospital's director of nutritional services, whose team helps ensure food safety and consistency throughout the process.

  • In 2024, the hospital donated 937 pounds of food.
  • In 2025, the hospital donated 1,961 pounds of food.

The players

Food Rescue US - North Fork

A local chapter of a national organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity.

Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital

A hospital in Greenport, New York that has partnered with Food Rescue US to donate surplus meals from its Greenhouse Grill.

Paul Connor

The chief administrative officer of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Anne Howard and Stephanie McEvily

The site co-directors of Food Rescue US - North Fork.

Marlene Parrish

An employee at the Greenhouse Grill who works with Food Rescue volunteers to package meals for distribution.

Holly Cato

A Food Rescue volunteer who works with Marlene Parrish to package meals for distribution.

Robert Galinski

The director of nutritional services at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, who helps ensure food safety and consistency throughout the donation process.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership reflects our commitment to caring for our community in every way we can. By working with Food Rescue US - North Fork, we are able to reduce food waste while helping ensure that nutritious meals reach neighbors who need them.”

— Paul Connor, Chief Administrative Officer, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital

The takeaway

Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital's partnership with Food Rescue US - North Fork demonstrates how healthcare institutions can play a vital role in addressing food insecurity in their local communities by redirecting surplus meals to those in need, while also reducing food waste.