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Advocacy


The Chapin Center for Public Policy is the advocacy wing of Long Island Cares. Regrettably, ending hunger is not something that food banks, despite their best efforts, can do on their own. To definitively end hunger and its root causes, we advocate for long-term public policy solutions at the local, state, and federal levels.

The roles and responsibilities of the Chapin Center are:

Legislative Action. The Chapin Center for Public Policy mobilizes our staff, board of directors, agencies and clients around the issues of hunger and self-sufficiency. Activities include advocacy letters, signing petitions, providing legislative testimony, and serving on various public policy committees.

Education. As Long Island’s regional food bank, we see food insecure people every day and must use our platform to illuminate the often hidden issue of hunger on Long Island. This is necessary to garner the public support needed for sustainable public policy solutions in the future. Activities include op-eds in local newspapers, social media platforms updates, and advocacy training sessions.

Special Events

The Chapin Center either hosts or participates in various special events publicizing hunger on Long Island and the creative, innovative responses taken by Long Island Cares to help. Activities include an annual legislative breakfast in our warehouse, attending the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and Feeding America’s Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, roundtable discussions with legislators/community leaders, and press conferences to generate awareness on timely legislation.

To find out how you can get involved in fighting against hunger on Long Island – and make a difference in the lives of thousands of your neighbors – contact Michael W. Haynes, Chief Government Affairs Officer, or call 631-582-3663 ext. 202.

Support the 2023 Farm Bill

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is nation’s most impactful anti-hunger program. Nearly 3 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP to afford food for themselves and their families. In addition to reducing hunger, poverty, and food hardship, SNAP stimulates local economies while supporting farmers and producers.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is the cornerstone of the nation’s emergency food system. The program provides food banks with healthy, nutritious food to help support communities across the country. TEFAP food purchases are a lifeline for New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.

Click here to sign the petition

 

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