Be advised: The Hempstead Food Share has been forced to move to the parking lot at the intersection of Cooper Square North & Washington St. about 3/4th of a mile south of the Hempstead Train Station. The distribution times are still the same, 2 pm for volunteers, or 3:30 if you're coming for groceries. For those coming from the Bus or Trainstation who might have difficulty walking over, we will be providing rides from the transit center at 3:15 pm. 

This location may be temporary so please check this website for updates in the weeks to come. 

Every Sunday Community Solidarity shares tens of thousands of pounds of fresh organic produce and vegetarian groceries with hundreds of our fellow community members in Hempstead. The goal is to help empower the community and community members by alleviating the burdens of social and economic oppressions like poverty. We do this by sharing all, or at least a good portion, of the food a person might need for that week.

At our Hempstead Food Share we set up tables with fruits, veggies, bread, prepared meals, frozen foods, desserts, and hot vegan meals. We also share clothing, toys, books, toiletries, seeds, plants, flowers, school/educational supplies, information and other essentials.

We are always looking for more hands and more food to share and if you'd like to help with either please feel free to stop by the Food Share or contact us at info[at]CommunitySolidarityl[dot]org. If you'd like to find out more information on how to share food, clothing, supplies or other essentials with us please click here.

As with all Community Solidarity Food Shares, all people are welcome to come for groceries or to volunteer. No paperwork or documentation required. Food is a right, for all people. 

As with all Community Solidarity Food Shares you just need to show up. No documentation or paperwork is required, just your respect for the community. Simply stated, bring a few bags and we'll fill them up. 

The Community Solidarity Hempstead Food Share happens every Sunday at 2 pm outside the Hempstead train station regardless of holidays or the weather. Through hurricanes, blizzards and countless rainy afternoons, over the past 11 years, we've never missed a single Sunday. We'll always be there if you need groceries, clothing or a warm meal.  

We strongly encourage volunteers to get to the share at 2 pm to help set up the distribution which starts up at 3:30 pm. If you're just coming for groceries we recommend that you come closer to 3:30 pm since there is no benefit in arriving early. 

Spanning across the block the Community Solidarity Hempstead Food Share is a free grocery store. A large produce section sits on the Eastern end of the share. Perishables, floral, and bakery items are on the Southern end. Nonperishables, frozen foods, pastries, and toiletries are on the Western end. Clothing, housewares, toys and a food access area are on the Northern end. Anyone who has difficulty standing in line can sit in our food access area and our volunteers will put together a few bags of groceries for you.  

A gourmet vegan lunch is also served at 3:30 pm after everyone has gotten their groceries.   

We only distribute vegetarian groceries. Focusing on organic produce, whole-grain bread, and healthier non-perishable items, our aim is to promote a more nutritious and compassionate diet for all who come. You'll get most, if not all, of the groceries they need for their week and lunch is available on site. 

The Hempstead Food Share takes place every Sunday at 2 pm outside the Hempstead Train Station (on the north end of W Columbia St, one block east of Main St.) in Hempstead, NY. 

Take the LIRR to Hempstead Station. Walk 50 feet west to the intersection of Bedell St. & W. Columbia Street.

Take the N6, N15, N16, N17, N27, N31, N32, N35, N37, N40/41, N46, N47, N48/49, N54/55 and N70/71/72 to Hempstead Transit Station. Walk 100 feet north to the intersection of Bedell & W. Columbia Street.

From Eastern Long Island: Take Northern/Southern State to Meadowbrook Parkway. If coming from Northern State proceed South to Exit M4/Hempstead Turnpike - West. If coming from Southern State proceed North to Exit M4/Hempstead Turnpike - West. Proceed west of Hempstead Turnpike for approximately 2.3 miles. Turn Right onto Main St. Proceed on Main St. for 3 blocks and then Turn Right on W. Columbia Street. Stay on Columbia for 1 block to hit the intersection of W. Columbia and Bedell Street.

If you're coming to the Hempstead Food Share with a vehicle it's extremely important to adhere to our parking regulations. Please make sure to park legally in any area outside the zones labeled red in the map above. These areas are off limits because we're trying to prevent congestion and reduce the risk of traffic accidents. 

If you need assistance carrying the food, or other items, you receive to your vehicle just ask our volunteers and they will be more than happy to help. 

Easy, just show up! The best way to get involved is to just show up any Sunday you'd like at 2 pm. You'll see fellow volunteers unloading trucks filled with food and setting up folding tables. Let them know you want to help and they'll put you right to work.

If you want to get more engaged before you show up we recommend that you fill out our Volunteer Interest Form by clicking here. Doing so will give us a better idea of your interests and where we can best utilize you. Plus, we'll add you to our mailing list so you can stay up-to-date on all the happenings of the Community Solidarity Hempstead Food Share!