Places to find food assistance on Long Island
Civil Air Patrol members in November take part in a Thanksgiving food distribution event outside Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Barry Sloan
The need for food on Long Island skyrocketed in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic caused thousands to lose their jobs. The two largest food bank providers on the Island saw demand rise by 72% and 83% from 2019 as more people became food insecure, officials said. Those who need food assistance can find resources below:
- Island Harvest is the largest food bank on Long Island: islandharvest.org; Call 516-294-8528 or 631-873-4775. Text 631-450-3775 with ZIP code for a list of nearby pantries
- Long Island Cares provides food to 350 food banks and pantries on Long Island: licares.org; 631-582-FOOD
- Carroll's Kitchen Long Island delivers meals to those in need: carrollskitchenli.org; carrollskitchenli@gmail.com; 631-206-4235
- Nassau County VetMart is a food pantry for veterans that is located in East Meadow: (516) 572-6526
- Long Island Council of Churches serves an emergency food program in Freeport: liccdonate.org
- EAC Network Meals on Wheels provides meals to homebound seniors in Nassau County: eac-network.org/meals-wheels-seniors/
- Three Village Meals on Wheels provides low-cost meals to people of all ages who are homebound, handicapped or chronically ill in Northern Brookhaven Town: 631-689-7077
- Suffolk311: Suffolk residents can call 311 for local food bank information or look under the Food Assistance section at suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Health-Bulletins.
- To apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for help purchasing food, go to New York State’s benefits website: mybenefits.ny.gov. You can also contact the Nassau Department of Social Services at 516-227-8519 and the Suffolk Department of Social Services at 631-854-9930.
By Rachelle Blidner
Rachelle Blidner covers Suffolk County government, politics and breaking news.
