Donating food to local food pantries can make a big difference for the communities on Long Island. Whether you need to stock up on healthy food for the winter or want to give a meal to someone in need, there are many locations where you can donate your extra food. Food pantries on Long Island include the Greater Sayville Food Pantry, Smith Haven Ministries, and the Lighthouse Mission.
Greater Sayville Food Pantry
The Greater Sayville Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization that serves the community. The pantry provides information to individuals and families in need and includes food items such as canned goods. Donations of cash or food are also accepted. The organization has three employees, and street parking is available. Its location is in the Sayville Library at 88 Greene Ave.
You can visit the Greater Sayville Food Pantry in Sayville, NY, to donate food. It operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. The pantry serves residents of the entire Long Island area. You can find more information by visiting the Greater Sayville Food Pantry’s website.
Nassau County’s food pantries
Nassau County’s food pantries provide the local community with food to fight hunger. They offer a variety of products, including nonperishable items, groceries, and produce. Some also provide meals and help to apply for SNAP food stamps. These centers serve tens of thousands of residents in the county. They also have referral numbers for individuals in need.
Smith Haven Ministries
If you want to help the homeless on Long Island, Smith Haven Ministries is a place to donate unwanted food. They accept donations of canned goods, unopened food, and beverages. They also take unopened refrigerated items and produce. Food donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 am to 12 pm.
You can donate food to Smith Haven Ministries by dropping off food or other donations at their location. This church is open to the public five days a week and serves over 10,000 meals yearly. You can donate food, nonperishable food, or clothing and donate your unwanted gifts to help those in need. They accept nonperishable food, including meats and dairy products, but they do not get cooked meals.
Lighthouse Mission
Lighthouse Mission is a Long Island organization that serves people in need. The organization’s mission is to alleviate hunger and poverty. They provide weekly mobile food outreach in Suffolk County and other services such as after-school programs for at-risk youth and Saturday “Mission Kids” programs for underprivileged kids.
Volunteers are needed at this nonprofit organization. Volunteers can make a difference by donating their time, energy, and supplies. Volunteers are often required to sort donated food and supplies. Food donations can be made to the church’s Hauppauge warehouse. Nonperishable food, meats, and dairy products are accepted, but the mission needs to get cooked meals.
The Lighthouse Mission serves communities in Long Island, including Centereach and Port Jefferson Station. During the recent storms, the number of people needing assistance increased dramatically. Donations ranging from one-time contributions to monthly donations are most welcome. The mission has built safety measures that provide access to those in need.
Children are also welcomed at the Lighthouse Mission. It hosts a Kids’ Club on the first and third Saturday of each month. The children are also provided with activities and warm meals. There are often guest speakers and homework help for the children—several volunteer opportunities throughout the year for kids and adults to get involved.
You can donate food and clothing to several charities on Long Island. Forbes has named the Lighthouse Mission a “Best Employer” four times. It is a nonprofit with a charitable foundation that supports homeless people, veterans, military families, children, and animals. It also supports arts and education programs.
People with limited incomes are often left with little money to make ends meet. In January 2017, over 2,800 people lived in Long Island emergency shelters, half of whom were under 18. This number does not include those in substandard conditions and facing eviction.
In addition to providing food and household items, food pantries offer information on financial assistance, including food stamps and LIHEAP. Many of these services are provided by local nonprofit organizations and churches.
