More than 41 million Americans struggle with food insecurity and hunger. It’s an overwhelming statistic that makes it even more critical to give back during the holiday season. Long Islanders can play their part by donating to local organizations that aim to fight hunger.

Help Fight Hunger at Island Tasting

Bay Shore
What: United Veterans Beacon House
Where: 1715 Union Blvd.
When: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-2pm
Why Go: It all started with a group of Vietnam Veterans in 1994. In 1999 United Veterans Beacon House expanded to include assisting non-veteran women, children and men. Now UVBH operates 24 locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, offering case management, transportation, vocational counseling and food pantry services. Click to visit

Sayville
What: The Greater Sayville Food Pantry
Where: 47 Gillette Ave.
When: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm
Why Go: Serving approximately 150 people per month, the Greater Sayville Food Pantry provides food, information and support services to individuals and families on Long Island. Food donations are accepted throughout the year. Click to visit

Ronkonkoma
What: Charlotte’s Table
Where: 939 Johnson Ave.
When: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
Why Go: Charlotte’s Table has been serving members of the surrounding community since August 2009. Part of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, the pantries are managed and run by members and volunteer veterans. Click to visit

Hauppauge
What: Long Island Cares Inc.
Where: 10 Davids Dr.
When: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Why Go: Founded in 1980 by Harry Foster Chapin, an American singer-songwriter best known for his No. 1 hit “Cats in the Cradle,” LI Cares is Long Island’s first food bank. Click to visit

Roosevelt
What: Ladles of Hope, Inc.
Where: 243 Fredericks Ave.
When: Saturday, 8:30am-12pm
Why Go: Lend a hand by volunteering or making a donation. Ladles of Hope operates on Saturdays with a rotation of volunteers. Accepted donations include non-perishable food items, gently used clothing and toiletries. Click to visit

Hempstead
What: Mary Brennan INN
Where: 211 Fulton Ave.
When: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-1:30pm
Why Go: The Inn feeds more than 5,000 people each week at 10 soup kitchen locations in Hempstead, Long Beach, Freeport and Central Islip. A list of the most needed food items can be found on the website. Click to visit

Glen Cove
What: Glen Cove Youth Bureau
Where: 128B Glen St.
When: Monday-Friday, 9am-6:30pm
Why Go: Serving youth and families with educational programs and food services, the Glen Cove Youth Bureau accepts donations of non-perishable food items, toys and Thanksgiving food items. Click to visit