Community Corner
10 Places to Donate Food After the Holiday
Here is our guide to nearby food pantries and soup kitchens that accept donations of food.
After the holiday, you may find yourself left with tons of excess food, including food and drinks that you maybe never even opened. Luckily, there are plenty of local food banks that are willing to take those off of your hands to feed the hungry on Long Island.
1. Commack Church of Christ: This pantry accepts all sorts of food, toiletries, and clothing items as well. Gather up your unopened canned or dry goods, condiments, produce, beverages, and refrigerated items and bring them to 25 Old Indian Head Road in Commack.
2. Long Island Cares, Inc: The Harry Chapin Food Bank: The Harry Chapin Food Bank delivers food donations to over 540 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, day treatment facilities, senior nutrition sites, and day care centers throughout Nassau and Suffolk, so you know that your donation will definitely go to good use. Find a donation location at your local library, or go directly to 10 Davids Drive in Hauppauge.
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3. Greater Sayville Food Pantry: This pantry serves over 150 people a month in Oakdale, Sayville, W. Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Bohemia. It is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m., to 12:30 p.m., and is located at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville.
4. Island Harvest: Island Harvest can help you with your food donation by providing aluminum trays, plastic tubs, and bags. Drop off your donations at 199 Second Street in Mineola.
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5. Lighthouse Mission: This group serves of 2800 people, and conveniently accepts donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome. Lighthouse Mission can be found at 1543 Montauk Highway in Bellport.
6. Smithtown Food Pantry: Stop by Smithtown Food Pantry at 90 Edgewood Avenue in Smithtown, which is open for donations from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
7. St. Patrick's Church: Call Fran Blagar at 631-265-2668 to schedule an appointment to drop off your goods at this church in Smithtown, located at 280 East Main Street.
8. Iglesia Roca de Salvacion Food Pantry: This pantry in Brentwood is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m., to 2 p.m., and is located at 65 Bradley Street.
9. Thomas I. Cannery Outreach: Bring your leftover goods here any business day between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., at 88 Second Avenue in Brentwood.
10. Smith Haven Ministries: Almost 10,000 people are served meals by the Smith Haven Ministries every year, and the group would also accept any unwanted, unopened gifts to give to needy families. Bring your leftovers to 3680 Route 112, Suite 2 in Coram from Monday through Thursday between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
