Listen to this articleThe Harry Chapin Day of Service is set for Tuesday, July 16. Sponsored by Long Island Cares Inc., The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, the event aims to alleviate food insecurity and raise awareness about the need to help fight hunger.
For the July 16 day of service, the organization is hosting food drives at all of its food pantries, including in Hauppauge, Bethpage, Freeport, Hampton Bays, Huntington Station and Lindenhurst. Canned proteins – such as chicken, fish and beans – baby supplies, toiletries and canned vegetables are just some of the nonperishable items needed most.
Long Island Cares has several special events planned for the day of service. The organization is offering guided tours of its Hauppauge-based warehouse, highlighting the impact it makes on Long Island. Advance registration is required for the tours, which will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In his lifetime, singer-songwriter Harry Chapin was committed to fighting hunger, and Long Island Cares continues that tradition. More than 221,190 people on Long Island grapple with food insecurity, according to the “Map the Meal Gap” study that was released in 2024. In a nod to Chapin’s advocacy, the upcoming day of service includes opportunities to purchase Harry Chapin t-shirts, share stories about Chapin at the organization’s recording stage, win raffle prizes and more.
In addition to operating food pantries, the organization partners with more than 320 food assistance agencies in Nassau and Suffolk counties to boost access to healthy, nutritious food.