Long Island Cares, founded in 1980 by the late “Cat’s in the Cradle” singer Harry Chapin shortly before his untimely passing en route to a charity performance at Eisenhower Park, was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by New York State.
The grant—which LI Cares first learned about in June—is to provide nutrition-based relief to former military personnel living on the East End who struggle with food insecurity.
According to the organization, they will purchase meat, produce and other nutritious items for those “still sacrificing to keep us safe.”
“Long Island Cares estimates that there are 9,000 food-insecure individuals in the area,” Jessica Rosati, vice president for Programs and Community Services at LI Cares, said in a news release.
“This grant will help meet the surging need with full access to nutritious and culturally relevant foods,” she added.
The regional food bank’s Hunger Assistance and Humanitarian Center of the Hamptons has served 124,540 meals to nearly 14,000 people in 2025 alone, according to LI Business News.
LI Cares says about 314,000 Long Islanders are suffering from hunger, 71,000 of whom are children.
Every Tuesday is Veteran Day at six of LI Cares’ popular pantries. Food is distributed to applicable events and additional veteran hotspots, such as American Legion Halls, along with the 106th Rescue Wing at the Westhampton Air National Guard Base.
Adds Michael Haynes, LI Cares’ vice president for Government Relations, Advocacy and Social Policy: “This timely funding will help us do even more for these brave men and women this upcoming holiday season.”