Thursday, October 1, 2026
In September, food banks across the country celebrate Hunger Action Month, a time when communities support organizations that offer help to food-insecure families. Long Island Cares, a network of food pantries, including one in Freeport, is part of the initiative, and hopes to secure additional food and monetary donations from Long Island communities to enhance its ongoing services.
Peter Crescenti, Long Island Cares’ media relations representative, listed the rising cost of groceries, losses in benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program nationwide and uncertainty about donations as reasons that additional support is essential to continue the organization's work. Its efforts are concentrated at regional food banks in Freeport, Bethpage, Hampton Bays, Happauge, Huntington Station, Lindenhurst and Valley Stream.
A $100,000 match donation from Long Island Cares' board of directors began the Hunger Action Month drive, with all additional donations from Long Islanders going directly to the purchase and distribution of food for those in need.
Gary Barnofsky, who began volunteering at the Freeport Long Island Cares branch five months ago, said that this month’s initiative highlights the growing needs of the community.
“There is such a need, and so many people that have food anxiety, and really count on this organization to help them,” Barnofsky said. “The more people that could contribute, small or large, would greatly help everyone.”
Joann Laroche, another Freeport volunteer, echoed those sentiments, saying that since she began volunteering in March, she has learned a great deal about those who are food insecure.
“I really want to help those in need, and providing food and service is a great way to do that,” Laroche said. “You run into people from all different walks of life, even people that you wouldn’t expect would need services like that.”
Long Island Cares is contributing in other ways to Hunger Action Month. The organization has joined a group of state elected officials to tackle the changes to SNAP, including the federal government's decision to shift "a huge portion of the cost of feeding our neighbors" from SNAP to state governments, Crescenti said.
Another partners in the effort is AARP Long Island. The organization has worked with Long Island Cares for over a decade, with hundreds of its employees volunteering in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“AARP’s greatest contribution has been the dedication and service of our volunteers,” Bernard Macias, a senior associate state director, told the Herald. “Through our volunteer network, we’ve supported Long Island Cares through meal-packing events, hands-on service projects and hunger-relief efforts throughout the year.”
Year-round activities have continued throughout Hunger Action Month, and AARP volunteers and Long Island Cares staff partnered to pack and distribute more food on and around Sept. 11.
The Kimco Realty Corporation, based in Jericho, has also worked with Long Island Cares, and took part in a week of volunteer efforts at the Hauppauge food bank this month. Jessica Daks, a paralegal at Kimco Realty, emphasized that more individuals and organizations should get involved.
“Giving back during Hunger Action Month highlights that food insecurity is something many people experience,” Daks said. “As the cost of living increases, so does the number of Long Islanders in need.”
More than 300 pantry partners and additional sponsors have contributed time and resources to running the food pantries and collecting donations.
To join Long Island Cares' Hunger Action Month effort, or learn about its services, go to licares.org and contact the nearest listed food bank.
