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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.
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Our Impact
Who Are the Food Insecure?
The USDA defines food insecurity as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.” On Long Island, our food-insecure neighbors include families, children, seniors, veterans, unhoused individuals, and more. Long Island Cares exists to make a positive impact by helping feed our communities and eradicate the root causes of this blight on America.
To learn more about Food Insecurity and Food Access on Long Island, read our recent studies.
Additional Facts
- Approximately 250,000 people on Long Island suffer from food insecurity.
- Food-insecure children are more likely than their peers to experience behavioral issues, reduced ability to learn social skills, and impaired cognitive learning – even permanent brain damage. – Learn more about Long Island Cares’ children’s programs
- The health effects of hunger range from lack of stamina and increased illness – which increases missed work time – to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
- Seniors who are hungry experience depression and anxiety. They are also at increased risk for illness, disease, and even premature death. – Learn more about Long Island Cares’ Supporting our Seniors (SOS) program here.
- Many food-insecure individuals are also mentally, physically, emotionally, or socially disabled and face limited employment opportunities, additional barriers, and/or may have difficulty feeding themselves.
Resource: Feeding America
Faces of Hunger
Real Stories. Real People. Real Difference.
Read the stories from the neighbors and community members who have been helped by Long Island Cares.