Big Demand for Food As Holidays Approach

There is a "significant" jump in demand for Thanksgiving meals for the homeless and hungry this year, according to Long Island's biggest hunger relief group, Island Harvest, which is issuing a plea for food and funds.

All of Long Island's 570 soup kitchens, pantries and emergency shelers need help and are urging residents to donate food goods and funds to local groups to  make sure no one goes hungry, says Rand Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest.

"Long Islanders have always come through to help those less fortunate enjoy a traditional holiday style meal," said Shubin Dresner in a press statement. "But we realize that many families are struggling because of the economy, so we would be grateful for any donation, no matter how small."

Island Harvest is in need of frozen turkeys, canned or dry goods, supermarket gift cards or funds.

The demand for turkeys requested among member agencies topped at 42,000 as of last week as part of Island Harvest's annual Turkey and Trimmings Collection Campaign, which runs through the end of the year. Last year, approximately 25,000 turkeys and more than one million pounds of non-perishable food were collected during November and December.

On Long Island, over 283,000 are at the risk of going hungry each day, according to a study conducted earlier this year by Island Harvest and Feeding America. Each week nearly 65,000 people access emergency or supplemental feeding programs throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"The high unemployment rate and uncertain economy tells just one part of the story," said Shubin Dresner about the spike in demand among Island Harvest's member agencies.

"Many Long Islanders are under-employed, not earning what they used to, and are struggling to make ends meet." The economy has changed the face of hunger on Long Island and more working families are seeking help, some of whom were formerly donors to Island Harvest, she added.

To help, visit Island Harvest's website or  call 516-294-8528.