In Community News

And Just Like SNAP… It’s Gone

November 6, 2025 In Community News 3 Mins Read

Real Talk. Real People.

If you’ve ever lived paycheck to paycheck or even just had a week where your bank account was on life support you know the stress of stretching a dollar. Now imagine that dollar is supposed to buy groceries for your entire family. That is the reality facing nearly 3 million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits to survive. Seniors, veterans, working families, people with disabilities neighbors who were doing just fine yesterday now wondering how they’ll eat tomorrow.

Why?
Because the government shut down and froze emergency SNAP funding.
Politics got loud.
Food disappeared.

And let’s be clear: hunger isn’t political. It’s primal.

SNAP Isn’t a Bonus — It’s Survival

Most SNAP recipients are working.
Many are raising children.
Many are caring for aging parents or loved ones.

They are balancing impossible math:

Groceries vs. rent
Prescriptions vs. meals
Heat vs. hunger

Hunger Starts a Chain Reaction

When you lose access to food:

Your health declines
Utilities get shut off
Transportation becomes impossible
Housing becomes unstable

This isn’t about budgeting.
This is about survival.

Seniors & Veterans Aren’t Exempt

Seniors who spent decades working now choose:

Food or medicine?
Heat or eat?

Veterans who served this country, who deserve nothing but dignity are quietly waiting in pantry lines.

And Children? They Pay the Price First.

Kids can’t fight for funding.
Kids can’t argue with Congress.
Kids can’t make money appear.

But hunger still shows up at their table.

It takes away:

Focus in school
Growth and development
Emotional wellbeing
Hope

Where to Get Help Right Now — Hamptons Food Pantries & Meal Programs

No shame. No questions. Just help.

Bridgehampton

Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center Food Pantry
“Feeding our neighbors with dignity and love.”
Distribution: Wednesdays 10AM–6PM
Delivery: Seniors & homebound available
📞 (631) 537-0616
📍 551 Sag Harbor Turnpike

Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry
Wednesdays 10AM–12PM
📞 (631) 725-0894

Southampton

Heart of the Hamptons – Food Pantry & Clothing Room
Pickup Tuesdays & Fridays by appointment
📞 (631) 283-6415
🌐 heartofthehamptons.org

East Hampton / Springs / Amagansett

East Hampton Food Pantry Network
Weekly distribution
📞 (631) 324-2300
🌐 easthamptonfoodpantry.org

Montauk

Montauk Food Pantry
Thursdays 4–7PM
📞 (631) 668-2428

*If you can’t get there — ask about delivery.*

How You Can Help (Even If Money Is Tight)

Donate food, diapers, pet food
Give what you can — every dollar matters
Volunteer: serve, sort, or deliver
Check on neighbors, especially seniors
Speak up for policies that protect people

FAQ — Real Questions. Real Answers.

How does the shutdown impact SNAP benefits in New York?

Benefits may be delayed, reduced, or paused — leaving families without groceries to last through the month. Hunger doesn’t wait.

Who relies on SNAP?

Seniors, veterans, working families, parents, and people with disabilities — your neighbors and community members.

Where can I get free food in the Hamptons?

Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, Southampton, East Hampton, and Montauk have pantries ready to help with dignity.

How can I help without money?

Volunteer your time. Share information. Drive a neighbor. Compassion is powerful currency.

Should I feel ashamed for needing help?

No. Food is a human right. Asking for help doesn’t make you less — it means the system needs to do more.

Final Thought

Food shouldn’t depend on politics. No child should go to bed hungry.
No senior should skip meals to stretch medication.
No veteran should ration dignity.

This is New York — we take care of our own.
And just like SNAP… it’s gone.
But the hunger stays.
And that should never be acceptable.

Let’s fix this. Together. Real Talk, for Real People❤️

In Community News

All Aboard American Beauty II – Sag Harbor Floating Fun Factory

August 14, 2025 In Community News 2 Mins Read

If you think Sag Harbor is all about sitting dockside with a glass of rosé, you’re only half right. The other half? You need to get yourself on American Beauty II and see this village from the water. Trust me — your Instagram will thank you.

Here at Hamptons Mouthpiece, we’re all about those experiences that make you say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” And cruising on American Beauty II is at the top of that list.

American Beauty II is a 44-foot charmer docked right on Long Wharf. Captain Don Heckman launched this dream back in ’92 because he believed boating should be fun and affordable for everyone.

*Photo courtesy: American Beauty Cruises and Charters*

✨ Pick Your Cruise Mood

Private Charter – Birthday? Bachelorette? Girls’ day out? Or maybe it’s just Tuesday and you feel like it. Rent the whole boat for $630/hour (and yes, there’s a discount if you pay in cash or Zelle — we love a bargain). Bring your own snacks, drinks, and playlist. One rule: leave the red wine at home. The boat cushions will thank you.

Ticketed Cruises:

• Sunset Cruise – Two glorious hours of golden light, salty breezes, and everyone suddenly feeling like a movie star.

• Nature Cruise – 90 minutes of “oohs” and “ahhs” as you pass osprey nests, secret coves, and get the lowdown on Sag Harbor history — plus a peek at some fancy waterfront homes.

Why You’ll Love It

• The Vibe – Zero pretense. Just good people, good music, and good views.

• The Stories – From whaling days to celebrity hideaways, you’ll get the Sag Harbor tea.

• The Views – Sunsets so pretty, you’ll be tempted to move aboard.

Hamptons Mouthpiece Tips

• Book ahead — especially for those weekend sunset cruises.

• Arrive early so you can snag the best spot for selfies (and snacks).

• If the weather turns, no stress — they’ll reschedule or refund.

Next time you’re in Sag Harbor, trade your dinner table for a deck and your shoes for boat vibes. American Beauty II isn’t just a cruise — it’s a floating memory maker.

Real talk, real people: From the Hamptons Mouthpiece to you — get off the dock and into the story.

In Community News

No Tax on Tips? Here’s What That Really Means

July 8, 2025 In Community News 3 Mins Read

No Tax on Tips Act? Here’s What That Really Means

So there’s been a lot of talk lately about “no tax on tips act” If you work in a restaurant, bar, salon, spa, or anywhere you get tipped—you might be thinking finally!

Well… here’s what’s really going on.

What Just Happened

Congress passed a huge new bill (like, trillions of dollars big), and tucked inside it was something called the No Tax on Tips Act.

It means this:

👉 You won’t have to pay federal income tax on up to $25,000 in tips each year.

👉 But you still have to report your tips and still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (those come out of your paycheck like always).

👉 It only counts for cash tips that you report to your boss.

👉 This is good for 2025 through 2028 — after that, it might go away unless Congress brings it back.

Who This Helps

If you work in:

• Restaurants 🍔

• Bars 🍸

• Hair or nail salons 💅

• Spas or hotels

• Any job where you get tipped in cash…

This law could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on your taxes.

But Read the Fine Print before you go celebrating too hard:

• You must report your tips to get this benefit. If you’ve been keeping tips off the books, you won’t qualify.

• You’ll still pay payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare. That part didn’t change.

• If you make over $150,000 a year, you don’t qualify.

• It’s temporary. This is only good through 2028 (for now).

So Is This a Big Deal?

Yes, for a lot of workers, this is a big help.

You work hard, and tips are your livelihood. This law lets you keep more of the money you’ve already earned. That’s real money in your pocket—especially when rent, groceries, and gas prices keep going up.

But it doesn’t help everyone. People who work behind the scenes—like dishwashers or cooks—don’t get tips and won’t benefit at all.

And it’s not a total tax break—you still have to follow the rules, report your income, and pay some taxes.

Bottom Line

If you make tips, report them, and earn under $150K—you win.

This new law gives you a tax break on up to $25,000 in cash tips per year. That means more money stays with you.

Just keep track of your tips, report them the right way, and be smart when filing your taxes.

Got questions about how this works for you personally? Ask a tax pro or drop a comment on our social media post. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Sagharbor @Hamptonsmp

Real Talk, Real People

In Feature Story

Spill the Tea with Allura and Skyler Johnson, Candidate for State Senate

June 18, 2020 In Feature Story 2 Mins Read

Hamptons Mouthpiece; Spill the Tea – Allura Leggard speaks with New York State Senate candidate, Skyle r Johnson to discuss the upcoming election.

Johnson ‘Spills the Tea’ on his plans for healthcare; the environment; education; Police Reform and that was only a fraction of the Bold Plans he has for the future.

Unlike many of the other candidates who have other full-time jobs, Johnson tells us that his full-time job is being a student, continuing to learn more about how he can bring about change and focus on the many issues that concern Americans in the 1st district.

19-year-old Johnson is this year’s youngest candidate running for State Senate.

Johnson expressed that his use of social media and his command for the facts is important to discuss issues that many people in Suffolk County are concerned about.

Johnson is one of five Democratic candidates running this year for Senator Kenneth LaValle’s NY State Senate seat in the First District in Suffolk County. Senator LaValle has held this position for 43 years and decided he will not be running for reelection this year.

Johnson says, one of his most important issues for his campaign is providing everyone in the state with free and quality healthcare. Johnson says this can be achieved by “rebuilding our healthcare system by passing the NYHA, New York Health Act-Including: free testing, treatment, and telemedicine for everyone.”

You can read more about Johnson’s Bold Plans for a Bright Future on his website. https://skylerforsenate.com

Election day is June 23; (Voting polls).
After June 16th, voters may apply in person (over-the-counter) through June 22nd or by Early Voting from June 13-21. Primary Elections POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM – CLOSE AT 9 PM

Register to Vote or update your voter information online: Click here:

In Community News