By Hank Russell
Senior citizens in the Montauk area are turning to the Town of East Hampton for assistance in receiving their groceries and medications after a local pharmacy announced that it is closing temporarily.
White’s Drug and Department Store, located at 95 Montauk Plaza, closed down on October 31. According to the town, the previous owners of the building in which White’s was located reportedly sold the property. The pharmacy’s owner did not renew their lease with the new owner and decided to retire.
As a result, the town is offering crucial assistance with grocery shopping and prescription pick-ups for seniors through its East Hampton Senior Shopping Assistance Program. This service is available to all those who are ages 60 and over in the Town of East Hampton; seniors who live in Montauk are encouraged to use this service.
As part of the program, seniors can have their prescriptions picked up by town staff and delivered directly to their homes. Additionally, grocery shopping assistance is available, with staff shopping for groceries and delivering them to the seniors’ doors. Unpacking assistance is also available, and aides can accompany seniors who prefer to shop independently.
The East Hampton Senior Shopping Assistance Program ensures that seniors can continue to live independently and safely, with access to groceries, prescriptions, and other essential services, without having to worry about transportation or mobility challenges.
“We understand the challenges that Montauk seniors are facing with the temporary closure of their only local pharmacy,” said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez. “While this program is available to all seniors in the Town, this special outreach is our way of ensuring Montauk residents receive the care and assistance they need.”
“Our community has always been one that supports each other, and this program is a testament to the Town’s commitment to making sure all our residents—especially our seniors—have access to the services they need, no matter the circumstances,” added Councilmember Tom Flight.
“This program is especially important for Montauk residents at this time, but it is also a part of our ongoing commitment to serve all seniors in the Town of East Hampton,” said Diane Patrizio, East Hampton’s director of human services. “By providing this assistance, we are not only helping seniors stay healthy and safe but also reinforcing the strength and care of our community.”
According to the town, a new pharmacy is expected to open at the former White’s site in January, but the new property owner said it might happen sooner.