Where Are They Now:
Sharada Venkatachalam

December 2 | Isabelle Panza

Sharada Venkatachalam

Sharada Venkatachalam was born and raised in India, where she instilled in her family a strong commitment to education. She promised her son that if he were accepted into an Ivy League school, they would make the move to America. In 2004, they fulfilled that promise and embraced a new beginning on Long Island. 

Her husband soon found work—right across the street from the Long Island Cares Food Bank in Hauppauge. Sharada continued her fulfilling teaching career. But one day, as she passed the food bank, she paused. “Hungry? How could that happen in America?” she wondered. Curious, she wanted to learn more, and was moved by Harry Chapin’s mission and the work being done in her own community. 

Inspired, Sharada rallied her neighbors and collected canned goods. “Long Island Cares even told us how many pounds we raised. It was mind-blowing! Every drop in the ocean counts,” she said. 

Life shifted dramatically when her husband retired and the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools. As a substitute teacher, Sharada suddenly found herself without steady work—and without health insurance. For the first time, her family needed help. 

Turning to Long Island Cares, Sharada discovered a network of support waiting for her. She was especially relieved to find a wide selection of vegetarian food that met her family’s needs. 

“It’s incredible how they let you take what you need, and there’s so much vegetarian food available,” she shared. “Many food banks hand out whatever they have, without thinking about individual needs. I think about seniors who can’t drive—and how easily food can go to waste.” 

During her visits, Sharada met Idalia Boczek, Director of Satellite Operations, and the two quickly connected. When Sharada expressed her desire to give back, Idalia suggested she help at the garden at 75 Davids Drive. 

Today, Sharada rarely visits Long Island Cares for assistance. Instead, she finds joy in giving back—nurturing the garden that helps nourish so many others. She will still be a familiar face at Long Island Cares, but now, instead of picking up food from the pantry, she’ll be harvesting fresh produce to help fill it.