Programs News

Lake Grove, New York- A $50K grant has been issued to Long Island Cares by the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation so that the food bank can continue its mission to end food insecurity on the Island.

The grant awarded will be used for the nonprofit’s Pack it Up for Kids program where school children rely on free or reduced-price lunches. It is one of the several programs run by the food banks for the kids.

The $50K grant will be used to purchase food to fill around 3400 backpacks which is equal to 20,400 meals and 6800 snacks as revealed by Kerry Tooker, manager of child nutrition programs at Long Island Cares.

Tooker said that the grant from Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation will be used to purchase food for children all over Long Island. At present, the organization serves around 588 children. This funding from Dunkin will allow the food banks to expand their reach and provide food to more children.

Tooker said, “As food prices continue to rise and food insecurity has increasingly become a reality for many Long Islanders, this program reaches the most vulnerable of our population by providing nutritious meals to children at risk of hunger over weekends when school meals are not accessible. This funding from Dunkin’ will help us to purchase healthy food items, as well as reach more children in need of nutrition assistance.”

Food insecurity has always been a severe issue in the U.S. but along with the prices of food soaring high, the needs of people also increased.

On Wednesday, Dunkin celebrated the grand opening of its Lake Grove store. Over the past years, Dunkin and the Dunkin Joy in Childhood had a great relationship with Long Island Cares. Its team members and franchisees participate in multiple events every year.

Marando said, “We see the positive impact that Long Island Cares has in the community”.
Marando revealed that one of the core behaviors at Inspire Brands and Dunkin is being a good citizen. He feels that it is rewarding to partner with a group like Long Island Cares that does positive work.

Kaylin Peterson, corporate philanthropy manager of Long Island Cares reveals that she is impressed by the support provided by the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation to Long Island Cares.

Peterson said, “Not only do they give generously to our children’s nutrition programs, but they give their time by frequently volunteering, too. It’s nice when companies want to do more than just write a check, they really get into the weeds with us and see what we’re about.”

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is a charitable foundation that aims to provide the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness.

The Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation raised $16 Million in 2023 to bring smiles to children. More than $3.2 Million was awarded to provide access to food to kids battling food insecurity and $550,000 was donated to Feeding America.

Since the foundation’s launch to till now, the foundation has granted more than $49 Million to national and local charities across the country.

Feeding America, assisting 200 food banks and 60,000 local meal programs across the country, has estimated that nearly 34 Million people including 9 Million children are living with food insecurity.