Long Island Cares, Inc | The Harry Chapin Food Bank

Long Island Cares, Inc | The Harry Chapin Food Bank is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 by the renowned singer and social activist, Harry Chapin. As Long Island's first food bank, it serves Nassau and Suffolk counties, recognized by both The Emergency Food Assistance Program of the USDA (TEFAP) and the NYS Department of Health, Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) as the regional food bank for Long Island.

Long Island Cares goes beyond supplying nutritious food to the hungry, sponsoring innovative direct service programs aimed at promoting self-sufficiency for families in need. These programs include veterans services such as the VetsWork employment program, Baxter's Pet Pantry, children's nutrition programs like AsparaGus's Children's Breakfast Food Truck and the Kids Café Food and Afterschool Mentoring Program, as well as the Pack It Up for Kids weekend meal program. Additionally, the organization offers a range of mobile outreach and food distribution services to ensure access for homeless individuals, disabled veterans, senior citizens, and others facing travel challenges.

As a member of Feeding America and a BBB accredited charity, Long Island Cares has demonstrated its commitment to accountability and transparency. The organization recently received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for the sixth consecutive year, further solidifying its impactful work in addressing food insecurity in the region.

Notably, Long Island Cares secured a grant investment from The Walt Disney Company in its latest funding round, emphasizing the recognition and support garnered by the organization from influential backers in its mission to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in Long Island.