One Crisis Away from Hunger:
The Thin Line Many Walk

May 12| Isabelle Panza

It doesn’t take much. A sudden layoff. A rent hike. An unexpected hospital stay. For many of our neighbors on Long Island, hunger isn’t the result of long-term instability — it’s the outcome of one crisis they never saw coming.

At Long Island Cares, we meet people every day who never imagined they’d need help putting food on the table. People who worked hard their whole lives. People who gave back to their communities. These are the people who are now making impossible choices between groceries and gas, food and medication.

Joan and Ken are one of those families.

An older couple, they started coming to our Lindenhurst Food Pantry after Ken was diagnosed with cancer and dementia. “His medication and treatments are expensive,” Joan said. “So, we use Long Island Cares for groceries so we can pay for his treatments.” Like many others, they turned to us not because of long-term need — but because a health crisis shifted everything.

Their story isn’t unique. It reflects a growing reality on Long Island, where the cost of living continues to rise, yet wages, savings, and support systems often fall short. According to recent data, 289,000 Long Islanders face food insecurity. And nearly half of all Americans have less than $500 in savings — not enough to cushion even a minor emergency, let alone a diagnosis.

But hunger doesn’t have to be the outcome of crisis. That’s why we’re here.

At Long Island Cares, we respond quickly and compassionately. We provide emergency food assistance through our network of pantries, member agencies, and mobile units. We educate families on how to apply for SNAP and other benefits like WIC. We offer outreach to veterans and programs specifically designed for seniors, children, and working families.

And most importantly, we remind people that they’re not alone.

You can be part of that reminder. You can help someone weather their worst day with dignity and support. Whether it’s by donating food or funds, volunteering your time, or simply sharing our message, your actions make a real difference.

Hunger shouldn’t be the consequence of a bad break — and together, we can make sure it isn’t.