In 1980, one of Long Island’s favorite sons, singer/songwriter, and social activist, Harry Foster Chapin, founded Long Island Cares, the first food bank on Long Island. His legacy and mission today still lives on and as we prepare for the Holidays and all of our family gatherings, let us not forget that there are so many affected by food insecurity, and who are not only hungry but may also feel isolated in empty homes or emergency shelters. If you, or anyone you know, are in need of assistance during the Holiday, there is a list of places in this article that will be serving free Thanksgiving meals between now and Thanksgiving.

Harry Chapin, best known for his folk-rock songs like “Cats in the Cradle”, dedicated his life to raising awareness to the inequities that plagued communities around the world, especially here on Long Island. Although he tragically died in a car accident after a year of starting the organization, his legacy lives on through the work of his wife, Sandy Chapin, Long Island Cares and the thousands of Long Islanders who receive some form of hunger assistance from a comprehensive network of agencies.

Long Island Cares serves approximately 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, day treatment facilities, senior nutrition sites and senior day cares, bringing together all the available resources for the benefit of the hungry of Long Island. These agencies provide emergency food where it is needed and sponsors programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency.

To learn more about the various outreach programs through Long Island Cares or to volunteer or donate, please visit www.licares.org

Visit the LI CARES Website to see the Word Document of this List —> click here

or click on images below to enlarge and/ or print

 

                 SUFFOLK COUNTY                           NASSAU COUNTY