Founded in 1980 by singer-songwriter and humanitarian Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares was built on the belief that no one should go hungry in our community. Our mission is to combat hunger and food insecurity across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, while working to create a future where healthy food and essential resources are accessible to all.
As a proud partner food bank of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief network, we stand alongside nearly 200 food banks nationwide to provide hope and nourishment to millions of families in need.
What began as a small grassroots effort serving a handful of local agencies has grown into a lifeline for our region. Today, Long Island Cares distributes over 13 million pounds of food and supplies each year to nearly 400 community partners, operating from our Hauppauge headquarters and seven Long Island Cares–operated pantries across Long Island.
Together, we can make a difference—because no one should have to choose between food and other basic needs.