Stony Brook Hospital Tackles Food Insecurity On East End

Partnership with Food Rescue US - North Fork helps redirect surplus meals to community organizations in need.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:36am

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Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital has partnered with Food Rescue US - North Fork to donate excess prepared meals from its Greenhouse Grill to organizations serving individuals and families facing food insecurity across the East End. The program has grown significantly, with over 1,900 pounds of food rescued and redistributed in 2025, more than doubling the previous year's efforts.

Why it matters

This collaboration reflects the hospital's commitment to supporting its local community in multiple ways, including reducing food waste while ensuring nutritious meals reach those in need. It's a model of how organizations can work together to address pressing issues like food insecurity in their region.

The details

The partnership involves coordination between hospital staff and dedicated Food Rescue US - North Fork volunteers. Marlene Parrish from the Greenhouse Grill works with volunteer Holly Cato to safely package the prepared meals for pickup and distribution. The effort is also supported by the hospital's director of nutritional services, Robert Galinski, who helps ensure food safety and consistency throughout the process.

  • In 2025, a total of 1,961 pounds of food were rescued and redistributed.
  • In 2024, 937 pounds of food were recovered and redistributed.

The players

Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital

A hospital that has partnered with Food Rescue US - North Fork to donate excess prepared meals to organizations serving individuals and families facing food insecurity across the East End.

Food Rescue US - North Fork

A local organization that works with Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital to coordinate the pickup and distribution of surplus prepared meals to community groups in need.

Marlene Parrish

An employee at the Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital's Greenhouse Grill who works with Food Rescue volunteers to package the donated meals.

Holly Cato

A volunteer with Food Rescue US - North Fork who works with Marlene Parrish to coordinate the pickup and distribution of the donated meals.

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.”

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

“This partnership is a wonderful example of how local organizations can work together to strengthen our community.”

— Linda Sweeney, Vice President, Foundation & External Affairs, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital

The takeaway

By partnering with Food Rescue US - North Fork, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital has found an impactful way to address food insecurity in its local community, reducing waste while ensuring nutritious meals reach those in need. This collaboration demonstrates how organizations can work together to tackle pressing social issues and strengthen their region.