The Hidden Face of Hunger on Long Island
August 4, 2026
Hunger is Closer Than You Think
September 26, 2026September 1, 2026
Hunger Action Month 2026: Play a Part. Double Your Impact.
Every September, communities across the country come together for Hunger Action Month, a nationwide movement led by the Feeding America network to raise awareness about hunger and inspire people to do something about it. Here on Long Island, Island Harvest Food Bank is proud to lead that charge — and this year, we're inviting you to play a part. https://www.feedingamerica.org/
Because for all of September, every dollar you give to Island Harvest will be matched, up to $50,000. That means your $25 becomes $50. Your $100 becomes $200. Whatever you can give, your impact is doubled.
Here's everything you need to know about Hunger Action Month 2026, why it matters for Nassau and Suffolk counties, and a dozen ways you can get involved.
What Is Hunger Action Month?
Hunger Action Month was launched in 2007 by Feeding America, the nation's largest network of food banks, and is observed every September. Now in its 19th year, it's a month dedicated to turning awareness into action — through giving, volunteering, advocacy, and community events.
The centerpiece of the month is Hunger Action Day, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, when supporters nationwide focus their efforts on a single day for maximum collective impact.
Why Hunger Action Month Matters on Long Island
Long Island is one of the most prosperous regions in the country, and yet hunger exists in every one of its communities. Families facing rising costs, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, college students, and working parents who simply can't stretch a paycheck far enough all turn to Island Harvest and our network of food pantries for help.
Since 1992, Island Harvest has been connecting surplus food with the neighbors who need it most, growing from a single founder's vision into one of Long Island's leading hunger-relief organizations. Today we work with hundreds of community partners — food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, senior centers, and veterans' programs — across Nassau and Suffolk counties, providing millions of pounds of food and supplies each year.
Hunger Action Month is when the entire region can rally around that mission at once. And with our September match, it's also when your generosity goes furthest.
Play Your Part: 12 Ways to Get Involved This September
1. Make a Gift — and Have It Doubled
This is the single most powerful thing you can do this month. From September 1 through September 30, every donation to Island Harvest is matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. Your gift helps us source food, fuel our fleet, stock our partner pantries, and run programs that reach Long Islanders in need. Donate now.
2. Become a Monthly Donor
A recurring gift provides steady, reliable support that lets us plan ahead and respond quickly when demand rises. Start your monthly gift during Hunger Action Month and your first contribution will be matched.
3. Volunteer at Island Harvest
Our volunteers sort and pack food, help at mobile distributions, special events, and provide office work support too. Whether you have a few hours or a regular weekly slot, there's a place for you. Bring a friend, a family member, or your whole team. Sign up to volunteer.
Rally your school, congregation, workplace, sports team, or neighborhood. Most-needed items include peanut butter, canned proteins like tuna and chicken, low-sodium canned vegetables, whole-grain pasta and rice, cereal, shelf-stable milk, and baby food and formula. We can provide collection boxes, flyers, and tips to make your drive a success.
5. Start a Virtual Food Drive or Fundraiser
Can't collect physical food? A virtual food drive lets you raise food online that gets shipped directly to Island Harvest. You can also start your own fundraiser online to raise funds that we use to purchase exactly what our neighbors need most, often at a fraction of retail cost. Set a goal, share your page, and watch your community respond — every dollar raised in September counts toward the match.
6. Go Orange
Wear orange, decorate your storefront or office, change your social media profile frame, or ask your town to light a landmark in orange. Then share a photo and tag Island Harvest. It's a simple, visible way to show Long Island stands together against hunger.
7. Use Your Voice: Advocate
Food banks can't end hunger alone. Federal and state nutrition programs are the front line for millions of families. Contact your elected representatives, let them know hunger relief matters to you, and encourage them to support policies that keep food on the table for Long Islanders. You can also sign up to be on our Island Harvest advocacy team to stay informed of our efforts and where and when we need your support.
8. Rally Your Workplace
Companies play a big role in hunger relief. Organize a corporate volunteer day, launch an employee giving campaign with a company match, sponsor a program, or invite Island Harvest to speak at a team meeting. Corporate partners help us expand our reach year-round — and September is the perfect time to start. Contact joan@islandharvest.org to learn more.
9. Get Your Kids Involved
Hunger Action Month is a meaningful way to teach children about generosity and community. Have them decorate a collection box, pick out items at the grocery store for a food drive, or come along to a family-friendly volunteer shift. Teachers can build a classroom lesson or service project around the month.
10. Shop and Give Back
Many local restaurants and retailers run give-back promotions during September. Round up at Ace Costello’s across the island throughout September or drop off food at any Daniel Gale Sothey’s realty office.
11. Follow and Share the Message
Follow Island Harvest on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube throughout September. We'll be sharing stories from the neighbors we serve, updates from our CEO Randi Shubin Dresner, and weekly ways to take action. Every like, share, and comment helps more Long Islanders find out how they can help and how they can find food if they need it. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for impact reports, news, and ways to get involved throughout the year.
12. Mark Your Calendar for Hunger Action Day
On Tuesday, September 29, join supporters across the nation in a single day of action. Make your gift, volunteer, post in orange, or gather your circle for a mini food drive. It's the exclamation point on a month of impact.
Need Food? We're Here for You, Too
Hunger Action Month is also a reminder that help is available. If you or someone you know needs food assistance on Long Island, Island Harvest can connect you with a nearby pantry, meal program, or mobile distribution. We also provide SNAP benefits support and have a full-time social worker on staff. Find food near you.
This September, Play Your Part
Hunger is solvable, and on Long Island the solution begins with people who decide to act. Whether you give, volunteer, advocate, or simply spread the word, you're part of a community that won’t let a neighbor go hungry.
And through September 30, every dollar you give is doubled.
Play your part. Double your impact. Give today.
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading hunger-relief organization serving Nassau and Suffolk counties and a proud member of the Feeding America network. Headquartered in Melville, NY, Island Harvest works with a network of community partners to provide food, resources, and hope to Long Islanders in need.