Nassau County, NY - March 11th, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Veterans Services Agency (VSA) today announced the creation of a new food pantry for veterans in need of canned food, toiletries and books. Veterans may visit the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, located at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building Q in East Meadow, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. All donations are welcome!

“My administration is committed to providing a better life for our veterans,” said County Executive Mangano. “Whether veterans are in need of benefit assistance, housing or canned food and toiletries, the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency is here to help. If you serve, you deserve!”

The VSA advocates for hometown heroes and their dependents with the United States Veterans Administration, as well as New York State and Nassau County agencies. VSA Counselors are available to educate veterans on programs and benefits in which they are entitled to, as well as assist individuals with financial and economic issues.

Nassau - an officially declared Purple Heart County - hosts a Veteran Stand Down twice a year along with United Veterans Organization (UVO) which provides free food, clothing and access to valuable services for veterans in need. This year’s Stand Downs will be held on Tuesday, July 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion in Hempstead and on Tuesday, November 22nd from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at a location to be determined.

The County will also host a POW-MIA Memorial Service in Eisenhower Park on Thursday, September 8th at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, County Executive Mangano and the VSA will host 2,000 veterans at Nassau County’s 6th Annual Veterans BBQ in Eisenhower Park.

Since taking office in 2010, County Executive Mangano has enhanced services for Nassau’s 100,000 veterans, including free transportation to the Northport VA Hospital and the East Meadow Clinic. The Mangano administration also established 42 homes, located on Mitchel Field, to provide affordable housing for veterans and their families and an additional 18 homes for active-duty military personnel.

Additionally, the County helped rehabilitate five two-bedroom townhouses in Hempstead for homeless veterans and their families.

For more information, veterans may visit the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building Q, in East Meadow or can call (516)-572-6565.

If transportation is needed, veterans may call (516)-572-6526.