Harvesting hope

A Long Island nonprofit’s fight against hunger

Story and photos by Sam Johnston

Island Harvest Food Bank is a beacon of hope for those struggling to put food on the table. With a mission to end hunger and reduce food waste, the organization works tirelessly to collect and distribute food and other products to those in need. Through its efforts, Island Harvest Food Bank has become a leading hunger-relief organization, supporting a wide network of community-based non-profit organizations, as well as individuals, veterans, families, and seniors.

Island Harvest Food Bank’s work is supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and donors. From organizing food drives to preparing meals, volunteers play a crucial role in the organization’s efforts. And through donations of food, money, and time, individuals and organizations can help support Island Harvest Food Bank’s mission.

“Ninety-five cents of every dollar go towards program impact because we have such a substantial amount of volunteers,” said Joeseph Barry, the group’s chief data officer, who is responsible for strategic engagement, cultivation, and stewardship of philanthropic relations to enhance the organization in its mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island.

About the problem of hunger and food insecurity on the Island, Barry said, “Last year Island Harvest supported nearly 13 million meals through provisions of 15.5 million pounds of healthy food and product that we distributed to our neighbors in need across Long Island.”

Based in Melville, Island Harvest Food Bank collects food and other products that might otherwise go to waste. This includes surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants and farms, as well as donations from individuals and organizations. Through efficient collection and distribution systems, the organization puts products into the hands of those who need them most.

But Island Harvest’s work goes beyond providing food. They also offer nutrition education programs to help people make healthier choices and stretch their food budgets. Additionally, the organization is committed to raising awareness about hunger and food waste, advocating for policies and practices that can help address these issues in the long term.

In 2021, Island Harvest shifted its location to a modern and fully equipped facility with 46,000 square feet, which virtually doubled its previous location. Barry said Island Harvest is constantly looking for ways to expand and develop its location to improve the workflow and effectiveness of its mission. Within their Melville headquarters, there is an in-house market for people in need to grocery-shop free of charge.

The impact of Island Harvest Food Bank’s work can be seen in the stories of the individuals and organizations it supports. For example, the Long Island Cares food pantry, which partners with Island Harvest Food Bank, is able to provide thousands of meals each week to those in need. And for families who are struggling to make ends meet after a job loss, Island Harvest Food Bank’s assistance was a lifeline.

“We provide fresh produce for those in need. We are also educating people on how to cook so they can make the most out of the food we are providing them,” said Barry. He added that Island Harvest also provides meals for children outside of school who aren’t eating consistenly. It also accommodates dietary restrictions with help from its partner, Northwell Health. “Any health risks are significantly reduced thanks to working with Northwell Health,” Barry said.

Through its tireless efforts, Island Harvest Food Bank is making a real difference in the lives of those facing hunger and food insecurity on Long Island. It’s committed to ending hunger and reducing food waste, inspiring many to join the fight against food insecurity.