Billy Joel Donation

Maybe he was in “a New York state of mind.”

Billy Joel’s The Joel Foundation has teamed up with Long Island Cares to help East End food pantries with recent overwhelming demand due to COVID-19.

The Joel Foundation is footing the bill for new freezers and related equipment at the Long Island Cares facility in Hampton Bays that will help the flow of perishable items to the East End, where the pandemic has created significant shortages.

“Due to the pandemic, there is an increase in the need for nutritious food and a lack of volunteers. Given the risks associated with the virus, many food pantries are dealing with the loss of staff,” said a statement from the Joel family, posted on Billy Joel’s Twitter account. “Unfortunately, this coincides with an increased need for food. After hearing about this situation, we purchased freezer units and additional equipment that are being installed in their Hampton Bays facility. The new equipment will service the entire East End and will now allow for transport of perishables and frozen goods to the East End pantries and soup kitchens.”

The statement also noted the number of East Enders in need of food assistance is expected to increase.

“We are hopeful this will aid the current shortage and limited availability families are currently experiencing,” the Joel family said.

Long Island Cares is a charity founded by the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. For more information, visit www.licares.org.

jessica@indyeastend.com