Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank has rolled out its latest program in the fight against hunger on

The growing number of people turning to agencies supported by Long Island Cares, are people who have not historically turned to social services for assistance.  Many are among the new working poor, recently unemployed, and families who are finding it difficult to maintain their quality of life on an annual salary of between $40-70,000.  Many of these families don't know where to turn to for information and help with such entitlement programs as health insurance, food stamps, emergency assistance, home heating and other types of support.  Most food pantries are primarily staffed by volunteers who donate a few hours per week to distribute food.  The pantries are open limited hours, some as few as three hours per week to meet the needs of a population increasing into the thousands. 

Joined by Suffolk County Legislator Thomas Barraga (West Islip) and Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg (Bellmore) Paule Pachter, Long Island Cares' Executive Director said, "We recognize that there is a growing need among the population affected by hunger for information and referral services and emergency food that can be delivered at times when pantries might not be open, in locations that might not be stigmatizing for some, and in a manner where the information and assistance can be provided by trained staff versed in entitlement programs and the application process.  Long Island Cares believes that it has the expert staff and the knowledge to address the needs of the growing number of hungry individuals and families on Long Island by developing our Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise."