West Babylon, NY - January 13, 2017 - Long Island McDonald’s and Long Island Cares kick off their 2^nd Annual food drive partnership to help support efforts addressing the critical issue of hunger on Long Island. Long Island McDonald’s owner and operators presented a check for $4000 to Long Island Cares CEO, Paule Pachter to go towards supporting food programs addressing those in need on Long Island.

“We’re very grateful for this opportunity to continue to collaborate with McDonald’s restaurants on Long Island which will enable us to help our neighbors in need especially during the holiday season. The McDonald’s brand is one of the most recognizable names throughout the world, and Long Island Cares’ name is one of the most recognizable charities on Long Island for our work as the regional food bank for Long Island. McDonald’s also has a reputation for its philanthropy, especially through the wonderful services their Ronald McDonald Houses provide that support children and families struggling with health crises. Hunger and chronic food insecurity on Long Island is a similar crisis that affects 316,000 Long Islanders including 89,000 children.” said Long Island Cares CEO, Paule Pachter.  

"We are happy to partner with Long Island Cares to address the critical issue of hunger in our communities. In these trying economic times where many families are faced with challenges of putting food on the table or paying bills, it is our hope that we were able to help make the holidays brighter for those going through hardships,” says Luciana Montuoro, Long Island McDonald’s Marketing & Public Relations Director. 

"The Long Island McDonald’s Owner and Operators are proud to once again support a respected organization such as Long Island Cares and to work together with them on their mission to provide meals to those in need.” says Josh Kaufman, President, Long Island McDonald’s Owner and Operators Association.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s is one of the world’s best known brand, and is a global leader in food service.  There are more than 600 McDonald’s Restaurants, owned by 100 franchisees, and located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area.  There are 80 restaurants located throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island.  Visit www.LIMcDonalds.com for more information on our fire safety, summer reading, and other community programs that we support.

About Long Island Cares
Long Island Cares was founded in 1980 by the late Harry Chapin.  We provide 7 million pounds of emergency food is provided every year to our nearly 600 member agencies.  These agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, senior programs, child nutrition programs, veteran services, etc.   Long Island Cares brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island, and to the best of their ability, provide for the humanitarian needs of the community.  Our goals are to improve food security for families, sponsor programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency, and educate the general public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island. Our Vision is “A Hunger Free Long Island.”