Food insecurity is a daily reality for thousands of families across Long Island. Whether you are dealing with a government shutdown, a delay in your SNAP benefits, or simply trying to stretch your budget, knowing where to find a local food pantry or soup kitchen can make all the difference.
This guide highlights resources in Suffolk County, focusing on the communities around Stony Brook (11790) and Holbrook (11741).
It can help you search for a food pantry near Stony Brook NY, a food pantry near Holbrook NY, or any other food pantry on Long Island when you need assistance.
Why Food Pantries Matter
Food pantries provide supplemental groceries and hygiene items at no cost to individuals and families facing food insecurity. They serve as a lifeline during tough times, especially when federal assistance such as SNAP is delayed or insufficient. By visiting a pantry, you can pick up nutritious items to cook at home and reduce the pressure on your budget. Many pantries also offer referrals to social services, ensuring you receive comprehensive support.
Key Benefits
- Local access: Most pantries are located in neighborhoods, making it easy for residents to reach them without long commutes.
- Flexible schedules: Many offer evening or weekend hours to accommodate work and school commitments.
- Confidential assistance: Food pantry volunteers treat all visitors with respect. You’ll never be asked for payment, and personal information is kept private.
Food Pantries in Suffolk County
The table below highlights food pantries serving northern and central Suffolk County. Always call ahead to confirm hours, as schedules may change during holidays or emergencies.
| Food Pantry & Location | Phone | Hours & Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook University Food Pantry – Stony Brook Union, Suite L‑20, Stony Brook | 631.632.4956 | Open Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.. Provides supplemental food and supplies for students, staff and faculty; visitors should bring a Stony Brook ID | |
|
International Baptist Church Food Pantry – 1266 North Country Road, Stony Brook |
631.689.7660 | Call ahead for hours; the pantry serves the 11790 community | |
| Abundant Life Church of God Food Pantry – 440 Furrows Road, Holbrook | 631.588.7704 | Open Sunday 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. & 6–8:30 p.m.; Wednesday 7:30–9 p.m. | |
|
Calvary Chapel Food Pantry – 1680 Railroad Street, Holbrook |
631.580.3055 | Friday 5–7 p.m. | |
|
St. John’s Lutheran Food Pantry – 1675 Coates Avenue, Holbrook |
631.588.6050 | By appointment only; call to schedule | |
|
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry – 315 Lake Shore Road, Lake Ronkonkoma |
631.588.1888 | Open Thursday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | |
|
Lighthouse Mission Mobile Pantry – 1543 Montauk Highway, Bellport |
631.758.7584 | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.. Lighthouse Mission operates Long Island’s largest mobile pantry and offers food, clothing and hope |
Soup Kitchens Offering Hot Meals
Soup kitchens provide free, ready‑to‑eat meals that can be eaten on site or taken home. They are perfect for anyone who needs a hot meal immediately. Below are several soup kitchens serving northern and central Suffolk County.
| Soup Kitchen & Location | Phone | Serving Hours | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen – St. James Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket | 631.941.4141 | Sunday 2–3 p.m.; hot meals are available to go stjamessetauket.org. | St. James Church (Our Daily Bread)stjamessetauket.org |
|
Friends Kitchen – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point |
631.744.9355 | Thursday 5 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.); dinner served with help from community volunteers thefishchurch.org. | Friends Kitchen website thefishchurch.org |
|
Shepherd’s Table – St. Joseph Parish, 45 Church Street, Ronkonkoma |
Contact parish office | Fridays at 5 p.m.; volunteers begin preparing food at 3 p.m. and welcome all who are hungry stjosephronkonkoma.org. | St. Joseph Parish ministries stjosephronkonkoma.org |
| Mercy Soup Kitchen – 17 South 20th Street, Wyandanch | 631.358.9917 | Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; serves nutritious hot lunches every weekday in a welcoming environment mercysoupkitchen.org. |