Many Long Islanders are thankful this holiday season for a home and warm food on their tables. However, there are many of those who are struggling this holiday season. Many still are affected by Hurricane Sandy and other have hit hard times.

With the federal government's cut with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,  better known as SNAP, many families across Long Island will be seeing a decline in assistance, and may need a bit of extra help this holiday season. Just days ago, Governor Cuomo issued a press release, urging New Yorkers to open their hearts, and donate if they can this holiday season, saying, “New York’s food banks serve a variety of vulnerable populations across the state, including senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and low income families – many of whom have already been impacted by federal SNAP reductions. By purchasing a few extra items to donate when grocery shopping, we can all do our part to put food on the table of those in need this holiday season.”

So be generous this holiday season. Many grocery stores have bins you can donate to, or you can donate directly to one of the food pantries below:

• Long Island Volunteer Center
• Island Harvest
• Long Island Cares
• East Hampton Food Pantry
• Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry
• Lighthouse Mission
• Pronto
• Long Island Food Not Bombs
• Congregation Beth-El Food Pantry
• Long Island Community Fellowship

But remember, people are struggling all year round, and local food pantries are always in need of donatios - it always feels good to give, even if it is not a holiday!

This is the list of some of the most needed food and specialty items requested by Food Pantries:

• cereal
• juice
• shelf-stable milk
• peanut butter
• jelly
• rice
• macaroni & cheese
• pasta
• condiments
• canned fish
• canned meats
• canned fruits
• canned vegetables
• canned soups
• cookies & crackers
• granola and nuts

​Where do you donate this time of year?  
What other ways do you give back this holiday season?
Tell us in the comments below!