Did you know that over 316,000 people on Long Island face hunger? That’s 1 in every 9 people. For the 4th consecutive year, Long Island Cares partnered with LI Craft Beer Week to help raise awareness and collect food donations for the Harry Chaplin Food Bank. “Long Island business people, entrepreneurs who developed breweries here on Long Island, are giving back, they understand what corporate social responsibility is. It’s been a great partnership and we look forward to continuing it,” said Paul Pachter, Chief Executive Officer for Long Island Cares.

Twenty-four craft breweries across Long Island teamed up to create a collaboration brew, that beer enthusiasts can receive when they then donate 3 cans of food for a can of Craft Cares Bi-Coastal IPA, all benefitting Long Island Cares. “The Long Island community gives back to us every day we need to give back to them at least once a year, that’s what this is all about,” said BrickHouse Brewery’s Brewmaster, Paul Komsic.

All the food collected goes to a distribution center in Hauppauge where its sorted and packed into the appropriate categories and delivered to 600 agencies throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. “We’re in need of food all year around, but especially the spring and summer when school isn’t in session, the need for food increases because children are no longer getting free lunch at school,” said Billy Gonyou from Long Island Cares.

Last year, Craft Cares collected over 3,400 pounds of food donations, this year, the goal is to reach over 5,000 pounds. 5,000 pounds of food equals about 4,200 meals for families on Long Island. “Kids are going to be fed this summer,” said Pachter.

“It’s been the first year Long Island Cares has been through the entire process of making the beer, canning it and labeling it. I’m more into craft beer than ever. I want to check out all these great places and breweries supporting us,” said Gonyou.

If you’re not into beer and want to get involved with Long Island Cares, you can volunteer at one of Long Island Cares four locations, work a special event, help out in the warehouse, write a check, or host food drive/pet food drive. “There are lots of opportunity for Long Islanders to get involved and we welcome people to visit us,” said Pachter.

For more information about Cans for a Can and other Long Island Craft Beer events go to www.licbw.us.

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