Donate to Long Island Cares and help feed your neighbors in need. Contribute what you can, all donations are welcome
Who We Are
Our Mission
Founded by the late Harry Chapin
Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank has been on a mission to feed Long Islanders facing food insecurity and address its root causes since our founding by the late Harry Chapin in 1980.
News & Stories
Get to Know Us
News
Get the latest updates from Long Island Cares on our events, activities in the community, and many others.
General Food Bank Questions
What is Long Island Cares?
Long Island Cares | The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank is one of the largest hunger-relief organizations on Long Island. Founded by musician Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares provides food assistance, nutrition programs, and emergency support to individuals and families in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Who can receive food assistance from Long Island Cares?
Anyone experiencing food insecurity on Long Island may be eligible for assistance. Long Island Cares works with a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and community partners to help individuals, seniors, families, and veterans access nutritious food.
Where are Long Island Cares food pantries located?
You can find a nearby pantry through the Long Island Cares pantry network, which includes hundreds of partner agencies and community food programs throughout Nassau and Suffolk County.
Use our Food Locator to find a pantry near you.
How many people on Long Island struggle with food insecurity?
Thousands of neighbors in Nassau and Suffolk County experience food insecurity each year, including families, seniors, veterans, and children. Organizations like Long Island Cares help address this growing need through food assistance and community programs.
How do I get help with groceries on Long Island?
You can receive help by visiting a local food pantry, contacting Long Island Cares, or attending mobile food distribution events held throughout Nassau and Suffolk County.
Does Long Island Cares offer food delivery or mobile food pantries?
Yes. Long Island Cares operates mobile food programs that bring groceries and meals directly to communities across Long Island, helping people who may have difficulty traveling to a pantry.
What types of food assistance programs does Long Island Cares provide?
Programs include:
- Emergency food distribution
- Food pantries and mobile food trucks
- Senior nutrition programs
- Veterans assistance programs
- Pet food assistance
- School and children nutrition programs
These services help ensure that families have reliable access to nutritious food.
Do I need proof of income to receive food assistance?
Long Island Cares’ food pantries do not require proof of income to receive food assistance. However, some member agencies that are partnered with Long Island Cares may ask for identification or proof of income.
Food Donation Questions
How can I donate food to Long Island Cares?
Food donations can be dropped off at designated Long Island Cares locations or collected through community food drives. Donations help stock local food pantries and support hunger-relief programs.
Click here to find a food drop off location near you.
What items are most needed at food banks?
Commonly requested items include:
- Canned vegetables and fruit
- Peanut butter, nut butters, soy butters
- Pasta and rice
- Canned tuna or chicken
- Shelf-stable milk
- Baby food and formula
Volunteering Questions
How can I volunteer with Long Island Cares?
Volunteers help sort food donations, pack meal kits, assist with distribution events, and support special programs. Individuals, groups, and corporate teams can sign up for volunteer opportunities.
Go to the volunteer page for more information or find volunteer opportunities.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities for students or community groups?
Yes. Long Island Cares welcomes volunteers of many ages and often partners with schools, youth organizations, and corporate groups to support hunger-relief initiatives.
General Monetary Donation Questions
How can I make a monetary donation to Long Island Cares?
You can support Long Island Cares by making a secure online donation, donating by phone, or mailing a check to the organization’s headquarters in Hauppauge, New York. Financial contributions help provide food and essential resources to individuals and families facing food insecurity across Long Island.
Click here to make a secure online donation.
How much impact does a financial donation make?
Monetary donations allow Long Island Cares to purchase food and supplies for its hunger-relief programs. Every $10 donated helps provide 6 meals to Long Islanders in need, helping thousands of families access nutritious food.
Are donations to Long Island Cares tax deductible?
Yes, Long Island Cares is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law, unless otherwise noted.
Can my employer match my donation?
Many companies offer matching gift programs that match employee charitable donations. This can double or even triple the impact of your gift to Long Island Cares.
Use the Double the Donation platform to find which employers match donations.
Can I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
Yes. Long Island Cares allows supporters to make tribute donations in honor or memory of a loved one. These gifts support hunger-relief programs while recognizing someone meaningful to the donor.
Monthly Giving Questions
Can I set up a monthly donation to Long Island Cares?
Yes. Supporters can choose to become recurring donors by setting up a monthly gift. Monthly giving provides consistent funding that helps Long Island Cares plan food purchases and support programs throughout the year.
Monthly donations are able to be scheduled by using the general donations form then selecting the “Monthly” option.
Why should I become a monthly donor?
Monthly donations provide sustainable support that allows Long Island Cares to maintain programs, purchase food in bulk, and respond quickly to increased community needs.
Food Drive Questions
When can I host a food drive?
You can host a food drive anytime! Long Island Cares accepts donations year-round through our food drive campaign. Gather & Give is the name of the campaign for Long Island Cares’ food drives.
Go to the Gather & Give (Food Drives) page to host a food drive.
What materials do you provide?
We provide sturdy collection boxes and printable posters. You’ll also receive a list for our most-needed items.
How big are the collection boxes?
Our boxes are 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide on all sides. They’re made of durable brown cardboard with our logo printed on them and can hold up to 100 pounds of food.
Is there a cost to host a food drive?
No—hosting a food drive is completely free! All materials and weekday pickups are provided at no cost. (Please note: pickups are subject to availability depending on location and scheduling.)
Do you offer weekend pickups?
Pickups are available Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you’re hosting a large event or need special accommodations, let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to work with you.
Can I drop off donations instead of scheduling a pickup?
Yes! Donations can be dropped off at any of our food bank locations or community distribution centers. We’ll provide the nearest drop-off location when you register your drive.
Can I host a drive at work, school, or an event?
Absolutely! Drives can be held at schools, businesses, houses of worship, community groups, or personal events. We’re happy to work with you to make it a success.
Can I include more than just food in my drive?
Yes—you may also include personal care items, pet food, baby essentials, or household items.
What if I can’t host a food drive in person?
For those unable to host a food drive in person, you may make donations or host a food drive virtually through our partners #GiveHealthy and YouGiveGoods.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help! Email us at [email protected], and we’ll guide you through every step.