Responding to an increase in the number of individuals and families turning to food pantries and food banks for assistance, Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank opened an emergency food pantry in their corporate headquarters located at 10 Davids Drive in Hauppauge, in April 2009. 

The First Stop Food Pantry serves as a triage pantry that provides individuals and families in need with up to ten days worth of food, along with information about critical community resources such as food stamps, Child Health Plus, WIC, heating and utility assistance, employment resources, and mortgage assistance.  See our Hunger Glossary for the difference between a Food Bank and a Food Pantry.

Commenting on the need for a First Stop Food Pantry at Long Island Cares, Executive Director Paule Pachter said, "The bottom is eroding from the safety net for middle class families on Long Island.  With an increase of between 25 and 45 percent in the number of families turning to food pantries, soup kitchens and hunger relief organizations, we have no choice but to expand the mission of Long Island Cares to serve people directly."

Pachter added, "Long Island Cares has historically provided food to a network of more than 540 community-based agencies, but with the increase in the number of people in need it just seems logical to provide a triage service pantry before we refer people into the community-based pantries, which are often overburdened and running low on food," he concluded.

The First Stop Food Pantry is open Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 3 PM and responds to needs of people experiencing hunger for the first time who contact the organization.

In June 2009, Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank was pleased to announce its partnership with the Animal Relief Fund Inc. (ARF), that makes pet food supplied by ARF and pet food corporations available to pet-owning families in need in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  Many Long Islanders have contacted local pantries and Long Island Cares to request donations of pet food.  Local media have reported on families putting their pets up for adoption as a result of not being able to afford pet food, veterinary care, and other services.  The Pet Pantry at Long Island Cares is our contribution to their need.