Why Many Long Island Families Are Closer to Food Insecurity Than You Think

May 15th | Isabelle Panza

Most families on Long Island are doing everything “right.”

They’re working full-time jobs. They’re paying rent or mortgages. They’re covering childcare, transportation, groceries, and utilities as best they can. From the outside, things may look stable.

But the reality is that for many households, stability is fragile.

At Long Island Cares, we see this every day: families who are not in crisis—until something unexpected happens. A reduction in work hours. A sudden medical bill. A car repair that can’t wait. A rent increase that pushes a budget past its limit.

It often doesn’t take much.

For thousands of households, one unexpected expense is enough to shift a carefully balanced budget into crisis.

The Reality Behind “Just Getting By”

Across Long Island, many working families fall into what is known as the ALICE population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are households that earn above the federal poverty level, but still don’t earn enough to comfortably afford basic living expenses in our region.

That means even small disruptions can have a big impact. A single setback can force difficult choices: paying rent or buying groceries, filling a prescription or keeping up with utility bills.

And when that happens, food is often one of the first places where families are forced to cut back.

Meeting Families Where They Are

At Long Island Cares, we are committed to responding to that need with dignity and respect. Our food pantries, Member Agencies, and programs across Long Island are designed to support individuals and families not just in long-term hardship, but also during short-term emergencies that can happen to anyone.

We recognize that food insecurity is not a fixed condition—it can be temporary, situational, and often unexpected.

That’s why access matters. That’s why speed matters. And that’s why a strong network of support is essential.