Community Corner
Meet The Charity: Long Island Cares Of Hauppauge Strives To End Hunger
The charity aims to help feed 221,000 food-insecure Long Islanders (including 65,000 children). Here's how you can help.
HAUPPAUGE, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.
Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.
Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community.
What is your name?
Paule Pachter
What is the name of your charity?
Long Island Cares, Inc.- The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank
What is your position within your charity?
President & CEO
What community is your organization based in
Hauppauge
Link to your website
What is your mission?
Long Island Cares’ mission is to provide nutritious, culturally relevant food to 221,000 food-insecure Long Islanders (including 65,000 children) and attack the root causes of hunger.
What does your charity do to further its mission? Please list examples.
In addition to providing food to more than 300 food distribution agencies in Nassau and Suffolk, we own and operate five pantries that provide nourishing food to food-insecure residents in those communities. We also distribute food directly to seniors, veterans, children, and the homeless.
What inspired you to start your charity?
Long Island Cares, Inc. was established in 1980 by singer/songwriter Harry Chapin. He was among the first in the country to recognize food insecurity as both a local and national problem.
How can people help you accomplish your organization's mission or get involved in events?
Long Islanders can donate to us, volunteer at our warehouse and special events, and organize food drives. Visit our website to learn how to make a difference.
What is the most memorable moment you've had since starting your organization?
Organizing 19 pop-up food distribution centers to feed the hungry during the pandemic.
What else would you like people to know about your charity?
Long Island Cares, Inc. not only helps feed the food insecure. We also offer programs for seniors, veterans, children, and others to help lift them from the cycle of hunger.
What are your organization's social media pages or handles?
Instagram: @long_island_cares
Facebook: Long Island Cares
Twitter/X: @LongIslandCares
Tik Tok: @long_island_cares
Do you help run a charity?
Nominate it here or share this link with someone who does.
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