New Shopping Assistance Program Kicks Off For Southampton Seniors

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town has launched a new shopping assistance program for seniors who need a helping hand.

According to officials, Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara sponsored a resolution this week authorizing an agreement with Heart of the Hamptons to implement an "essential shopping program" for older adult residents.

Heart of the Hamptons is a local not-for-profit that assists people who are in need; the organization will provide a part-time shopping assistant who can help older adult residents to obtain their groceries and medical prescriptions, officials said.

Southampton Town received a $40,000 grant from Suffolk County Office for Aging to fund the program, officials said.

“I’m excited about this partnership,” said McNamara. “This will be a great service for some of our most vulnerable community members, our seniors.”

“I am grateful to the county for providing this grant, which enables Senior Services to work with Heart of the Hamptons to provide this much needed assistance to our town’s seniors,” said Kara Bak, director of housing and community services. “This will be an all-important service for those seniors who are unable or who can’t easily get out to shop and pick up groceries or prescriptions.”

Senior Services has identified 55 existing clients who will benefit from the additional shopping assistance provided through the program, town officials said. The goal is to serve from nine to 10 clients per week.

Once a senior is referred to Senior Services, that person will be contacted to determine whether shopping assistance is needed, and, if it is, the level and frequency of the assistance will be determined. If the senior would like to participate, Heart of the Hamptons will then coordinate the help.

The resolution was approved unanimously by the town board.