National Grid employees with Northwell Health and Island Harvest Food Bank partnering to support those with food insecurity and workforce development. 

National Grid recently awarded a $300,000 grant to Northwell Health to support the Nutrition Pathways Program—a partnership with Island Harvest Food Bank—and their Community Scholars Program through the company's Project C initiative.

This grant will enhance the existing program at the Dolan Family Health Center, providing hundreds of Long Islanders with nutritional counseling assistance, as well as connection to supportive resources and healthy food.

This is one of many ways National Grid demonstrates its commitment to customers and the communities they serve. The goal is to provide opportunities for underserved populations. National Grid's support of these programs aligns with its Project C initiative, the company's Environmental Justice & Social Equity and Workforce Development pillars. These grants are part of National Grid’s Project C commitment to communities with the goal of creating transformative, lasting change.

“There is no more essential need than nutritious food for families,” said Kathy Wisnewski, Director of Customer and Community Engagement, National Grid. “That is why we are proud to support Northwell Health’s Dolan Family Health Center and Island Harvest Food Bank to ensure that all Long Islanders can be food secure. The partnership between these two leading organizations proves that change is possible if we work together. Supporting these programs shows our commitment to our community especially when our friends, families and neighbors need it the most.”

National Grid employees volunteer at Dolan Family Health Center every week distributing food to those who participate in the Nutrition Pathways Program. 

The Nutrition Pathways Program provides 12 weeks of nutritional counseling improving healthy behavior. Participants have been successful in lowering their blood sugar levels, Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure.

The Northwell Community Scholars Program is an innovative college and workforce preparedness program that fosters youth development during their high school years and provides guidance as they enter college and the workforce. This grant will expand the program to more students and provide them with the support they need to reach their fullest potential.

“Food insecurity on Long Island is real, and as we know food is health, and access to healthy food is critically important,” said Debbie Salas-Lopez, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Community & Population Health, Northwell Health. “Programs like Nutrition Pathways are not only about giving back to the community that needs us, but also about working with our partners to have a meaningful impact on food insecurity and access to food. I thank National Grid and Island Harvest in their continued support to providing Long Islanders who need our help the most.”

The Dolan Family Health Center partners with Island Harvest which provides healthy food weekly to those who participate in the program. National Grid employees volunteer every week at the Dolan Family Health Center in Greenlawn distributing bags of groceries donated by Island Harvest.

“National Grid’s generous grant of $300,000 in support of the Nutrition Pathways Program will enable Island Harvest and Northwell Health to continue to provide nutritionally balanced food in tandem with the pressing issue of food insecurity among underserved populations,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President & CEO, Island Harvest. “It’s through partnerships with corporations, healthcare institutions and the nonprofit sector that we can solve some of society’s most pressing issues like hunger and food insecurity, and we are grateful for National Grid’s support.”

Edward Ferrari, of Huntington, is a participant in the nutrition program and he is recovering from a brain tumor. Through the program, he receives information on food preparation and he is provided with healthy food.

“We’re going into the sixth week, and I’ve already lost 17 pounds,” Ferrari said. “As you get older, you learn what you should and shouldn’t eat,” he said. “Late at night when you want to eat something, it’s cottage cheese, celery or oatmeal. No more potato chips. If you’ve been through the traumatic stuff I have, I’m lucky to be here.”

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