This year we are celebrating the 16th Anniversary of Check-Out Hunger, a joint effort of Long Island Cares and local grocery retailers.

Every dollar donated to Check-Out Hunger makes a real difference to those we serve. More than 350,000 families on Long Island don't always have the resources to put a good meal on the table, through no fault of their own. We ask you to think about those who live in hunger and poverty all year long when you are shopping for groceries in your local supermarket this fall.

This year Check-Out Hunger begins on October 1 and will continue through year-end, with our Check-Out Hunger partners running the campaign at varying times throughout the three months. One hundred percent of every Check-Out Hunger donation in our area comes to the Harry Chapin Food Bank to help in the fight against hunger and poverty. Check-Out Hunger is an easy way for shoppers to help fight hunger in their community.

Shoppers will find a display of Check-Out Hunger donation slips at the checkout aisles. Each $1, $3, and $5 donation slip has its own UPC bar code, just like any other item in the supermarket. When a shopper donates, the cashier scans the Check-Out Hunger donation slip. The donation is added to the bill automatically and appears on the receipt. It's that simple--and makes a big difference for those in need.