LIC community groups fund meal program in COVID-19 crisis

LIC Relief has been distributing meals to residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic throughout Western Queens. Photo courtesy of LIC Relief

By Victoria Merlino

A coalition of Long Island City civic organizations, religious groups and businesses continue to support their community through the COVID-19 crisis, raising money and supplying food to neighbors in need in Western Queens. 

The coalition, LIC Relief, raised $72,000 to fund its meal distribution program, paying locally owned restaurants to prepare meals for the service organization Hour Children and the NYCHA complexes at Ravenswood, Queensbridge, Astoria and Woodside. 

Over 6,500 meals have been served to those in need. 

LIC Relief is also collecting nonperishable foods to assist food pantries in the area. Major donations from Queens Borough President’s Office and others were distributed last week to food pantries like the Bread of Life pantry in LIC.