Island Harvest Food Bank: Ending Hunger, Reducing Waste

Island Harvest Food Bank is Long Island’s largest hunger-relief organization and a critical player in the region’s fight against food insecurity. For nearly three decades, the organization has provided vital services across Nassau and Suffolk counties, rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and redirecting it to people in need.

As a member of Feeding America, Island Harvest operates a comprehensive food distribution network that includes pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, and senior centers. In a typical year, the organization distributes millions of meals to Long Islanders, with more than 5.9 million meals delivered in 2023 alone.

Beyond emergency food delivery, Island Harvest tackles hunger at the root. Programs include nutrition education, workforce development, support for veterans and seniors, and mobile pantries that bring fresh groceries directly into underserved communities. Their new 46,000-square-foot facility in Melville, opened in 2021, has doubled their capacity and positioned them as a leader in emergency response and long-term hunger solutions.

One in seven Long Islanders experiences food insecurity, and one in five children is affected. Island Harvest is working to change that—by building a more equitable food system that rescues surplus, feeds families, and educates communities about health, dignity, and access.

Organizations seeking to partner can support Island Harvest through direct funding, joint outreach initiatives, volunteer engagement, or data-informed collaborations. Whether you're a business, funder, or civic leader, there's a role you can play in amplifying their impact.

Learn more at www.islandharvest.org.