Approximately 40 percent of food produced in the United States goes uneaten.

At the same time, 47 million people nationwide, including 240,000 Long Islanders, experience food insecurity.

Food rescue is one of the most effective ways to address both challenges. We rescue high-quality food that would otherwise end up in landfills and redirect it to Long Island communities. In fact, Island Harvest began more than 30 years ago when our founder saved surplus sandwiches from a 7-Eleven!

In 2025 alone, Island Harvest rescued 9.8 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 8.2 million meals, from local retailers and restaurants feeding thousands of Long Islanders while keeping nutritious food out of landfills.

 

We bridge the gap between those with excess food and those who need it most.

Island Harvest Food Bank partners with local and national retailers and restaurants to rescue short-dated items, unopened returns, and other items that are wholesome, but might not be saleable any longer. Every food item saved means fewer families go hungry and less food in landfills! Retailers and restaurants also save on carting costs. 


We make pickups and deliveries easy and hassle-free – just ask one of our hundreds of food rescue partners such as Sam’s Club, Stop & Shop, Uncle Giuseppe’s, Marketplace, 7-11, Panera Bread, Capitol Grill, and My Three Son’s Bagel Café.

All food donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.


The Law Protects Our Work

Federal Law – Enacted in 1996, The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act states that all donations, given in good faith and without gross negligence, are exempt from legal liability.

Become a Food Rescue Partner!

Contact Jake Boxenhorn jakeb@islandharvest.org 631.873.4775 x206

We bridge the gap between those with excess food and those who need it most.

Island Harvest Food Bank partners with local and national retailers and restaurants to rescue short-dated items, unopened returns, and other items that are wholesome, but might not be saleable any longer. Every food item saved means fewer families go hungry and less food in landfills! Retailers and restaurants also save on carting costs. 



We make pickups and deliveries easy and hassle-free – just ask one of our hundreds of food rescue partners such as Sam’s Club, Stop & Shop, Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, 7-11, Panera Bread, Capitol Grill, and My Three Son’s Bagel Café.

All food donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.


The Law Protects Our Work

Federal Law – Enacted in 1996, The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act states that all donations, given in good faith and without gross negligence, are exempt from legal liability.

Become a Food Rescue Partner!

Contact Santrea Bush: santrea@islandharvest.org / 631.873.4775 x206