Breaking Bread at Long Island Cares

Paule Pachter welcomes Ryan McGary, Chief of Staff - Suffolk AME "Our members as individuals are incredibly altruistic people. They believe in the work that they do, so much so that when they are not on the clock, they are still giving back and serving their communities." To learn more, please visit their website ⁠https://suffolkame.com

NYS Assemblyman Fred Thiele joins Paule Pachter and Michael Haynes to discuss the 2023 Legislative Session in Albany, focusing on Housing, Education, and Food Insecurity.

Paule Pachter discusses two informative articles currently featured in Long Island Cares' "Hungry for Change" newsletter focusing on college and pet food pantries.

hungry for Change

NYS Assemblyman Keith Brown discusses the current legislative session in Albany and some of the high and/or low points that will impact Long Island, including support for hunger assistance services.

In this episode, Paule Pachter chats with Long Island Cares Child Nutrition Program Specialist Kerry Tooker and Spiro Tsirkas of the City of Glen Cove Youth Bureau. Listen in as they discuss the unique challenges and solutions for feeding the over 60,000 food-insecure kids living on Long Island.

Billy Gonyou, Food Drive and Community Events Manager at Long Island Cares describes the process for corporate, civic, and other organizations interested in sponsoring a food drive to benefit The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank. Billy also discusses what types of foods are most requested by our neighbors in need, as well as by numerous food pantries that are members of Long Island Cares, Inc.

Kaylin Peterson, Philanthropy Manager at Long Island Cares, Inc., discusses her role in cultivating new individual and corporate donors. She also describes upcoming special events to support the regional food bank that all Long Islanders are invited to attend, including Paws Walk to benefit Baxter's Pet Pantry and the annual Harry Chapin Tribute Concert in Eisenhower Park scheduled for July 16.

As New York's legislative session comes to an end, NYS Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz discusses some of the legislative highlights, wins and losses that will have an impact on Long Island.

NYS Senator Mario Matera discusses the accomplishments and issues as the NYS legislative session comes to end. We take a closer look into such topics as crime, energy, education, and of course food insecurity in an honest and candid conversation.

Long Island Cares provides more than just food. Learn how our nutritionists provide lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables and educate our communities.

Kerry Tooker, Manager of Child Nutrition Programs at Long Island Cares, Inc., describes Long Island Cares' Summer Meals Program, which provides healthy meals for children experiencing food insecurity during the summer months when schools are closed. Working collaboratively with our partner agencies, Kerry oversees providing nutritious meals to some of the 65,000 children on Long Island that rely upon the regional food bank for a summer lunch or breakfast.

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President and CEO of the Family & Children's Association discusses addiction on Long Island, kids' mental health, gun violence, and vulnerable seniors with Paule Pachter.

Robert Vitelli, CEO of the LGBTQ Network, shares with us the tailored programs offered at the center and the significant need for these programs within our community.

"The level of stigma that people in our community continue to face, even though there's been such great advances, is still very palpable and can be very challenging and demoralizing." Robert Vitelli, MA, CEO, LGBTQ Network

The LGBTQ community is extremely diverse and has a variety of needs. Older adults face significant levels of isolation and are often rejected by their families. 50% of LGBTQ people are not out at work because they fear losing connections with their co-workers. 25% of LGBTQ people live in poverty and are more susceptible to food insecurity. Robert Vitelli, CEO of the LGBTQ Network, takes us inside the LGBTQ Network and its essential role in the LGBTQ community.

"We are a home, and we are a voice. Not only for the LGBTQ community but for their families and their support system." Robert Vitelli, MA

Paule Pachter and Meredith Michaels, CDO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, discuss the importance of consistent mentorship for children in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters' mentors come from all types of backgrounds, areas of industry, professional experiences, and ages. They are looking for someone that is committed, someone who shows up.

Part Two of our interview with Marcel Leis, Director of Veteran Services at the Association for Mental Health and Wellness.

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness, a not-for-profit corporation based in Ronkonkoma, NY, provides programs, services, and advocacy for people facing mental health challenges with an enhanced focus on serving military Veterans.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to re-introduce Marcel Leis, Director of Veteran Services at the Association for Mental Health and Wellness. The Association for Mental Health and Wellness, a not-for-profit corporation based in Ronkonkoma, NY, provides programs, services, and advocacy for people facing mental health challenges with an enhanced focus on serving military Veterans. Watch this two-part series to learn about the resources available in your community and how you can help.

Paule Pachter, President and CEO of Long Island Cares continues this impactful and informative conversation about racism with Laura Harding, President of Erase Racism.

What does it mean to be a big and a little? Find out as you listen to Paule Pachter and Meredith Michaels, CDO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, discuss the importance of consistent mentorship for children in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters' mentors come from all types of backgrounds, areas of industry, professional experiences, and ages. They are looking for someone that is committed, someone who shows up.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” James Baldwin. Join Paule Pachter as he takes a deep dive into a critical issue that affects all of us. Racism is different for everyone, and it works for everyone, but together we can make change.

Paule Pachter and Colleen Merlo, CEO of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, deeply dive into our community's mental needs, including the help our veterans need.

NYS Senator Jack Martins join Paule Pachter, President & CEO, and Michael Haynes, Vice President for Government Affairs and Advocacy to discuss happenings in Albany including, a discussion about the NYS budget.

HIA-LI is a powerful force in regional and economic development for Long Island. Paule Pachter discusses with Terri Alessi-Miceli, HIA-LI President, the they role within the Long Island Business community.

Tia Muller, a homesteading gardener who also volunteers at Long Island Cares, donates the food she doesn't use to feed her family to feed the hungry on Long Island.

Paule Pachter and Colleen Merlo, CEO of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, deeply dive into our community's mental needs, including the help our veterans need.

Dali Boczek, Director of Satellite Services joins me to discuss our six locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk County that provide emergency food pantries, information and referral services, and other opportunities where people can get involved in supporting our neighbors struggling with food insecurity. 

Billy Gonyou, Food Drive and Community Events Manager discusses how people, organizations, and businesses can sponsor a successful food drive to benefit Long Island Cares-The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank.

NYS Assemblyman Charles Lavine join Paule Pachter, President & CEO, and Michael Haynes, Vice President for Government Affairs and Advocacy to discuss happenings in Albany including, a discussion about the NYS budget.

Each month, Long Island Cares provides emergency food to nearly 900 homeless people living on the streets and in the elements. John McKeon, our homeless outreach coordinator discusses our Hope for the Homeless mobile outreach program and the challenges we encounter while trying to help our "un-housed neighbors" keep safe.

Dr. Jessica Rosati, Vice President for Programs and Ana Penavic, Research Assistant discuss Long Island Cares' new publication entitled, "Equitable Food Access: An assessment of racial and cultural food barriers on Long Island," and focus on what our organization is doing to increase diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lisa M. Owens, Program Manager for Long Island Cares discusses the role of the regional food bank in responding to emergencies such as Superstorm Sandy, COVID-19, and climate change. We also take a look inside Long Island Cares' disaster plan which if updated annually as new challenges impact our organization and the communities we serve.

Long Island Cares' Paule Pachter, CEO, and Michael Haynes, Vice President for Government Relations & Advocacy, discuss 2023 Legislative Priorities, including the potential passage of the Farm Bill and our hope that it is fair, responsive and helps strengthen The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). They also discuss the upcoming cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its devastating effect on our communities.

Rivka Halpern, LCSW, Director of the Rena Skolnick Food Pantry, a part of the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC in Cedarhurst talks about food insecurity within the Jewish and Kosher communities.

Long Island Cares' volunteers Maresa Hoheb and Karin Spencer discuss the rewards of volunteering with our Adopt-A-Family holiday meals program.  Both retired professionals, they discuss the importance of helping our neighbors in need and the many rewarding experiences they've had at the regional food bank.

Carlos Jennings a Radio and Television Production student at Suffolk County Community College joins me for a discussion about the younger generations' opinions and feelings related to hunger and food insecurity in suburbia. A candid conversation about poverty, services and advocacy.

Lisa M. Owens, Program Manager at Long Island Cares, discusses our New Paths to Achievement program and addresses the importance of work for people struggling with food insecurity.

New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean Pierre discusses the important issues of the day from Long Island to Albany with an emphasis on human service issues.

Laura Simmons, JSY Coordinator, discusses our JSY Program aimed at helping people making good choices to improve their diet and health. 

Nancy Guarino, Volunteer Coordinator at Long Island Cares discusses opportunities for students, groups and local corporations to join in the fight against hunger on Long Island.

Dr. Jessica Rosati, Chief Programs Officer discusses Long Island Cares Summer Food Service, Hope for the Homeless, and Children's Breakfast Food Truck programs that assist children and families in need.

Action Research Project. Ana Penavich, Research Assistant at Long Island Cares discusses an innovative approach to reaching out and serving a growing population of diverse Long Islanders in need of food assistance.  

Billy Gonyou, Food Drive & Community Events Manager discusses the importance of donating food and other products to support your regional food bank.

Katherine Fritz, Chief Development & Communications Officer discusses the importance of fundraising to support the work of nonprofit, charitable organizations like Long Island Cares.

Michael Haynes, Chief Government Affairs Officer and Alex Arso, Manager for Government Affairs and Veterans Services at Long Island Cares discuss plans for the upcoming White House Conference scheduled for September 2022.