For many of us on Long Island, summer is the off-season. School is out, summer Fridays are in effect, and we all sigh a breath of relief that the best time of the year is finally here. But for those struggling with food insecurity, summer can be a tough time of year.
Many children receive meals from in-school programs and the start of summer means the loss of this extra help. A few meals a week can go a long way with a struggling family. Last year, school feeding programs provided breakfast and lunch to nearly 100,000 children in Nassau and Suffolk, but these programs are suspended when school lets out. Summer camp can sometimes pick up the slack, but only if these families can afford to send their children to a recreation program.
Unfortunately for many families, summer is the time more parents are asking themselves, “how will I feed my children?” That’s a really difficult question to face as a parent. At Long Island Cares, we help families go the extra mile. We’re there when pay day is a few too many days away and we bridge the grocery gap many families struggle with.
All summer long, we are bringing in donations through the HIA-LI Summer Food Drive. It’s a virtual food drive that allows donors to directly donate. Rather than purchasing items in store and bringing them to a drop-off site, you can buy them online and send them directly to our warehouse. Find out more information here: https://yougivegoods.com/summerfooddrive2018.
And if you or your family is struggling to buy groceries, we’re here for you. Click here and take a look at the pantries, soup kitchens, and food facilities in your area.
