A Long Island nonprofit is working hard to feed families in critical need because of COVID-19.

With help from funding partners like Williams, Long Island Cares has been able to deliver nearly a million meals at a time when some food pantries have ceased operations.

“We are so grateful to Williams for their generous support in our efforts to provide food and supplies to our communities impacted by COVID-19. We will get through this together,” said Paule Pacter, CEO of the organization.

Pacter said the regional food bank is a critical need as the state and region respond to the pandemic. Long Island Cares has seen a more than 30 percent increase this year among those needing food assistance.

Long Island Cares was founded as the first food bank on Long Island, New York, in 1980 by the late singer, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and social activist Harry Chapin.

The organization provides nutritional food and support services for a network of more than 580 community-based member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, childcare programs, disability organizations, veterans’ services programs and more.