Monday, May 19, 2025
Anthony “Tony” Cannonito has lived in Valley Stream for over 60 years. Now retired, he spends his time helping neighbors in need as a volunteer at Long Island Cares’ food distribution center in Valley Stream. From stocking shelves to walking clients through the pantry process, Cannonito brings heart and hustle to the work—and a deep sense of gratitude for the community that raised him.
The Herald caught up with Tony to talk about what brought him to the pantry, how it operates, and what keeps him coming back.
Q: How did you first get involved with Long Island Cares?Cannonito: My wife and I had been contributors to Long Island Cares for years, along with other local charities. After we both retired, she started her own volunteering, and I was looking for something meaningful myself. When I heard they were planning to open a pantry in Valley Stream—my hometown for over 60 years—I jumped at the chance. This community has been good to me and my family. Volunteering felt like the right way to give back
Q: What was your initial role at the pantry? Has it changed?
Cannonito: It started pretty simple—stocking shelves and helping clients. I actually worked in retail while I was in college, so receiving orders, rotating stock... it all felt familiar. But as the need has grown, we’ve all had to wear multiple hats. Some days I’m on the floor helping clients, other days I’m unloading trucks or organizing the pet food section. We “flow to the work,” as I like to say.
Q: Have you noticed an increase in demand recently?Cannonito: Oh, absolutely. The last month or two especially—it’s really picked up. When we opened, it was slow. Now, the flow of clients is steady. It keeps all of us busy, and we could definitely use more volunteers.
Q: What’s the experience like for someone walking in for the first time?
Cannonito: We greet everyone by name. I’ll say, “Hi, I’m Tony—first time here?” If they’re new, I explain the layout and how it works. Based on their household size, they’re entitled to a certain number of proteins, produce, dairy items, and so on. We walk them through each section. It’s designed to feel dignified—like a small-scale grocery store. We even have a pet food section called Baxter’s Pet Pantry.
Q: Have you seen anything that really moved you during your time there?
Cannonito: Definitely. Sometimes a client will say, “I’m entitled to this, but I don’t need it this month—maybe someone else does.” That kind of generosity, especially from people in need themselves, is humbling.
Q: What’s something people misunderstand about food insecurity?
Cannonito: Unless you’ve seen it up close, it’s hard to grasp. It’s not just homelessness or job loss. Some people work full-time and still can’t afford to feed their families. The pantry fills a critical gap—and I just wish more folks understood how widespread the need really is.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of this work for you?
Cannonito: Knowing that I’m helping someone avoid going to bed hungry. Nobody in this country should be food insecure. If I can help even one person carry a little less burden, then that’s more than enough for me.
Have an opinion on this article? Send an email to jlasso@liherald.com.
