CORRECTED: L.I. food banks expect significant demand increase due to federal government shutdown

Long Island's two food banks, which supply hundreds of pantries and soup kitchens for the region's indigent, are ramping up efforts as a nearly month-long government shutdown is set to cut off a critical federal food assistance program this coming Saturday. Olivia Winslow reports in NEWSDAY that about 78,939 Suffolk County households, or 124,604 individuals, according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as of July.

Without SNAP, many of them are expected to turn to Long Island's food pantries. Officials say they will be trying to meet the need.

"If people are hurting they can come to us, or they can come to our network [of food pantries]. We’re happy to help," said Michael Haynes, vice president of government relations, advocacy and social policy at Long Island Cares / The Harry Chapin Food Bank, based in Hauppauge. "We have the food ... We’re here to help and we know what we've got to do." But the need may be too great amid the shutdown.

"For every meal that the food bank provides a community, SNAP can provide nine," Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest, Long Island's other major food bank, said. "We can’t compete with that — with food or with dollars. That’s the government's promise to people who are struggling. We’re just asking the government to support that promise."

Island Harvest, based in Melville, is looking to increase its supply to distribute to about 300 member agencies that help vulnerable Long Islanders.

This year, the food bank has distributed "well over" 21.5 million pounds of food across Long Island, said Shubin Dresner.

Long Island Cares supplies 366 member agencies, an assortment of food pantries run by religious groups, veterans service agencies, child care programs and shelters, Haynes said.

It operates six food pantries stretching from Valley Stream to Hampton Bays, and distributes more than 1 million pounds of food each month according to Haynes. He said Feeding America and U.S. Department of Agricultural data indicate an estimated 313,000 Long Islanders are food insecure.

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Two days before what could be one of the most pivotal days in the history of the WNBA, the league’s most pivotal player was on Long Island yesterday speaking at the bi-annual luncheon of the Long Island Association. Barbara Barker reports in NEWSDAY that Caitlin Clark is the most recent heavy hitter to be featured at the fundraiser for Long Island’s leading business organization. Past speakers have included former presidents and vice presidents of the United States and famous male professional athletes.

Clark, 23, is the youngest guest speaker ever at the event.

Appropriately enough for a big time business gathering since Clark is the first women’s basketball player to figure out how to make superstar money. This was underscored by the fact that she made more for her 30-minute appearance yesterday than her $78,066 she earned playing for the Indiana Fever this season. It has been widely reported that Clark charges $100,000 for a 30-minute zoom appearance and it can be assumed the figure is higher for an in-person event. The WNBA star spoke just two days before the players’ collective bargaining agreement is set to expire. Clark, who made $11 million last year in endorsements, has repeatedly supported her fellow players in their bid for better pay. According to Forbes, the franchise evaluation of the Fever has increased from $90 million before Clark was drafted two years ago to $370 million this season. Clark was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of 2025. Her exciting style of play has inspired younger athletes around the world, including some local girls who were in attendance Wednesday. Clark told them, “Just enjoy it. It goes so fast...I’m only 23 but I feel I was just in high...