Interfaith Nutrition Network
The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) is a non-profit , volunteer organization based in Long Island, New York.[1] The organization addresses hunger and homelessness including poverty[2] on Long Island by providing food, shelter, long-term housing, and supportive services. It is estimated that the INN feeds about 5,000 Long Islanders each week.[3] HistoryThe INN was founded as a soup kitchen in Hempstead, NY in 1983 by a group of volunteers headed by Patricia O'Connor and Michael Moran, then a chaplain at Hofstra University.[4] Thirty people responded to their call for volunteers to create a soup kitchen; the effort was a success and news about the soup kitchen spread through word of mouth. In 1984, the organization expanded to offer solutions for homelessness. The group opened an emergency shelter. The INN subsequently developed into a comprehensive organization with a variety of programs to aid the hungry and homeless on Long Island.[1] As of 2013, INN operations had grown to include 14 soup kitchens, three emergency shelters, and one long-term housing program.[5] The INN is composed of people from many ethnic and faith communities and does not discriminate toward members of any religion, race, or ethnicity. One of the initial volunteers, Jean Kelly, now serves as Executive Director of the organization. The group hosts an annual dinner, called the INNkeepers' Ball, to honour INN volunteers, raise awareness and raise funds for the organization. Over $1 million was raised at the 2013 event.[6] Services OfferedThe INN offers five services:
Notable PartnershipsIn 2010, Howitt Middle School in Farmingdale, NY held a dance marathon fundraiser and was able to raise $10,167 which they donated to The INN.[9] In 2011, Ice Girls from the New York Islanders hockey team supported a food drive in Mineola by volunteering their time to help collect food and greet passersby.[10] In 2013, Walmart donated $75,000 to The INN to aid Long Islanders during the holiday season.[3] See alsoReferences
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