A family in West Hempstead is currently facing legal citations due to their operation of a food pantry within a residential area. Every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents and those in need line up along Hopatcong Avenue for the free food distributed by this family. Having previously run a similar initiative in Queens for ten years, they continued the tradition upon relocating to West Hempstead four years ago. However, recent events have led to the intervention of local authorities who shut down the pantry citing zoning regulations.

The Ramkissoon family has been providing essential food supplies to nearly 200 individuals every week. They procure these items through a combination of personal purchases and donations from organizations like Island Harvest, as well as stores such as Costco and BJ’s. Despite the closure order, Ramonia Ramkissoon remains committed to continuing her charitable efforts. She plans to explore options for securing a commercial space should legal restrictions prevent further operations at their current location.

Operating out of their home, the family had established a routine that involved sourcing food supplies weekly and distributing them to those in need. The sudden halt came last Saturday when law enforcement officials arrived, accompanied by town code enforcement officers. Their decision was based on zoning laws prohibiting commercial activities in residential zones. This action left the family grappling with the reality of adapting their mission while adhering to local ordinances.

Ramonia expressed her determination not to abandon the cause despite the challenges ahead. With court dates set for June 12, she anticipates understanding from the judicial system regarding her community service endeavors. In the meantime, any surplus food was redirected to other charitable outlets including local churches and established food pantries.

While awaiting legal proceedings, the family continues to evaluate potential locations where their work can proceed uninterrupted. Their dedication underscores the importance of community support systems, highlighting the impact of grassroots initiatives in addressing critical needs. Regardless of the outcome, the Ramkissoons remain steadfast in their commitment to alleviating hunger within their neighborhood.