In 1991, with generous funding provided by Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger and the Nutrition Consortium of New York State, HWCLI established the Anti-Hunger Taskforce of Long Island (AHTF). With a collaboration of 5 community based organizations, AHTF aimed to build awareness about the growing epidemic of hunger and to work together in identifying systemic problems in the delivery of nutritional services. Today, the Taskforce has grown to a member base of over 50 health and human service—public and private—agencies, community—based organizations, governmental agencies and individuals committed to reducing, preventing, and eradicating hunger on Long Island through advocacy, education, and research.

The charge of the Taskforce is:

• To share information and resources;
• To review amendments to programs, polices, and regulations;
• To work in collaboration with the Hunger Committee and identify barriers related to public policies in the delivery of food resources and service programs.
• To provide educational opportunities to organizations, businesses and the public regarding hunger prevention.

Even though the U.S. is the largest and most efficient food producer in the world, millions of Americans are continuously faced with food insecurities and constant struggles against hunger. While there is often a perception of wealth on Long Island, statistics indicate that  205,000 out of the 900,000  households are classified as low-income with more than 165,000 individuals who live under the poverty line. To date, nearly 300,000 residents – an estimated one in ten – rely on food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency food programs for their nutritional needs.

Since 1999, AHTF hosts an annual public forum to share information and resources; review changes in programs, policies, and regulations; develop strategies to ensure the delivery of services to Long Island’s vulnerablep; and to continue to build awareness about the issue.  AHTF also participates in alliances with the Hunger Committee to target policy and systemic problems in the delivery of nutritional services, hunger, and public welfare issues.

For more information on how to be a part of the Anti-Hunger Taskforce or to learn ways you can make a difference, please contact:

Rushka Tcholakova

Health and Welfare Council of Long Island

One Helen Keller Way, 4^th Floor

Hempstead, NY 11550

P: 516-505-4425

F: 516-483-4794

rtcholakova@hwcli.com

Take your Lobbying to a New Level!

Nearly 98,000 students on Long Island depend on free or reduced-price school lunches and breakfasts for 9 months out of the year. Unfortunately summer vacation exposes many of these children to an increased risk of hunger and developmental decline. Proven to be one of the most severe roadblocks to a child’s academic achievement and performance, hunger increases the likelihood to health issues, illness, and obesity.

The Summer Food Service Program provides healthy meals to children and teens ages 18 and younger, free of charge. Unfortunately, on Long Island, less than 8% of children enrolled in the free/reduced-price school meal programs access SFSP during the summer.  With the recent decrease in federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program for Nassau County, the elimination of funding in Suffolk County, and the threat to layoff hundreds of teachers throughout Long Island, it is critical that agencies bring food resources to children in their community. 

Ways that you can help: Become a Sponsor, Open a Feeding Site, Volunteer, Share the information.

For more information, to find a SFSP site near you, or find out ways you can get involved contact

Rushka Tcholakova  at the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island 516.505.4425 or Click here

Rachel Rupright at the Nutrition Consortium of New York State 518.436.8757 ext. 21 or rachel.rupright@nutritionconsortium.org

Click on the following links for more information and training dates & times:
Potential Summer Food Service Program Sponsors

Experienced Summer Food Service Program Sponsors