September 13 | Isabelle Panza

Join the Fight Against Hunger

Hunger Action Month (HAM) takes place every September, but many Long Islanders may wonder what it’s all about. HAM is a Feeding America campaign aimed at raising awareness about food insecurity and encouraging people to take action in their communities. Here are some ways you can support Long Island Cares and make a difference in your community:

Volunteering

Long Island Cares offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities to match different skills and interests. If you enjoy organizing and working in a lively setting, the warehouse is a great option. Volunteers help sort and pack donations from food drives and retail partners, which are then distributed to our First-Stop Food Pantries and Member Agencies. For those who prefer direct interaction, volunteering at one of our food pantries allows you to guide visitors as they select food for their families. If administrative work is more your style, we always welcome extra help in the office.

Host a Food Drive

Hosting a food drive is a simple yet impactful way to support Long Island Cares. With rising food prices, our community needs help more than ever. You can easily organize a drive by filling out a form online, and we handle the delivery and pick-up of collection boxes. Food donations are quickly sorted and distributed to our pantries and member agencies, providing meals to those in need across Long Island.

Donating

Monetary donations are another effective way to support our mission. When you give to our Annual Fund, you’re not only helping provide food, but also supporting programs like nutrition education and job placement services that address the root causes of food insecurity.

Posting on Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness. By sharing posts about where our Aspara’Gus breakfast truck or our Mobile Food Assistance Unit (MFAU) food truck will be, you help neighbors find emergency meals. Sharing statistics about hunger or information about programs like SNAP and WIC can also help mobilize community support and educate people about ways to advocate for change.

Hunger Action Month is a time for the Long Island community to come together and take meaningful action. Whether through volunteering, hosting a food drive, donating, or spreading awareness online, there are many ways to get involved and help fight food insecurity. Every contribution counts, and together we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors.