Long Island Cares
A Helping Hand for Our Neighbors
A gift of food, funds, or time can help a neighbor. Learn about Long Island Cares and choose the way you would like to help.
Long Island Cares
Who we are
Founded in 1980 by singer-songwriter and activist, Harry Chapin, our organization is dedicated to serving Long Island’s hungry and food insecure populations.
Long Island Cares is one of almost 200 food banks across America that provides food to people impacted by hunger and food insecurity. When founded, Long Island Cares served a mere handful of agencies in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, but today, it distributes more than ten million pounds of food and supplies annually to nearly 400 member agencies in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and operates 5 satellite offices, plus our main office and warehouse in Hauppauge.
Our Operation
Long Island Cares operates its own food pantries in addition to partnering with over 320 food assistance agencies to ensure that those in need have access to nutritious food. Our pantries play a crucial role in addressing hunger within the local community. They are strategically located throughout Nassau and Suffolk County to reach as many individuals and families as possible, providing them with essential items to help alleviate food insecurity.
With a focus on providing fresh produce, protein, grains, and other essential items, these pantries allow individuals and families to access healthy and nutritious food options.
Our Mission
Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank has been on a mission to feed Long Island’s food insecure and put an end to the root causes of hunger since our founding by the late Harry Chapin in 1980. To help achieve our goals, we are guided by seven principles:
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Respect
- Empowerment
- Stewardship
By adhering to these principles, in 2023, we distributed 14 million pounds of food – the equivalent of 11.5 million meals. But the work is not done, and Long Island Cares is committed to serving Long Island as long as the need is great.