East End Food has received a transformative $5 million New York State Regional Food Infrastructure Grant to purchase the former Homeside Florist property at Route 25 and Route 105 in Riverhead and build a commercial kitchen.

Founded in 2010, the nonprofit has long focused on connecting farmers, food producers, schools, and consumers with fresh, local food. Its operations were previously based at Stony Brook Southampton College, but when that lease ended in 2023, many programs and producers faced challenges. This grant ensures a permanent home for East End Food and its mission.

The new East End Food Hub will house a commercial kitchen, indoor farmers market, educational programs, and food processing facilities to reduce waste and expand access to local harvests. The hub will also allow the nonprofit to once again provide healthy meals to local schools including Southampton, Westhampton Beach, Riverhead, Copiague, North Shore, and Half Hollow Hills.

With plans to have the kitchen up and running by year’s end, the Riverhead hub is set to become a cornerstone for resilience and sustainability—supporting farmers, feeding students, and strengthening the East End’s food system for years to come.

🔗 https://www.eastendbeacon.com/east-end-food-wins-major-grant-for-riverhead-hub/

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