Miracle Cooks: LI Cares Employees Turn Shelter Food into Nutritious Meals

Long Island Cares is dedicated to combating food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to those in need. Two of their outstanding employees, Laura Simmons-Buck and Samantha Somers, have taken a leading role in this mission. They are recognized as 'behind-the-scenes champions' who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to healthy and affordable food.

Laura Simmons-Buck and Samantha Somers work in the Network Relations department of Long Island Cares. Laura serves as the Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables nutrition educator, while Samantha is the nutrition resource manager. Together, they collaborate on various initiatives to promote healthy eating habits among food-insecure individuals. Their dedication has made a significant impact on the community.

Laura and Samantha organize nutrition education workshops that teach participants how to prepare nutritious meals on a budget. These workshops include cooking demonstrations using low-cost and shelf-stable pantry staples such as rice, pasta, canned tuna, and beans. They also incorporate fresh seasonal produce to ensure that families receive diverse and healthy food options.

Teaching healthy eating on a budget is a key focus of Laura and Samantha's work. They provide practical tips such as using coupons, buying in-season produce, choosing generic brands, and shopping the perimeter of supermarkets where the five food groups are typically found. These strategies help individuals stretch their food budgets while maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.

Laura introduced the Healthy Pantry Initiative to partner agencies like ECLI-Vibes, a shelter and pantry supporting survivors of various hardships. This initiative promotes the inclusion of healthy foods in pantries and encourages clients to incorporate these foods into their family meals. The program includes setting up appealing displays of fresh fruits and vegetables and providing easy-to-follow recipes.

Through their innovative programs and unwavering commitment, Laura Simmons-Buck and Samantha Somers have made a profound difference in the fight against food insecurity. Their efforts not only provide access to nutritious food but also empower individuals to make healthier eating choices. Long Island Cares is proud to have these two women as their 'behind-the-scenes champions,' working to create a healthier and more supportive community.