Our Four Pillars
Feeding Veterans
Delivering weekly hot meals and groceries to veterans to combat hunger and isolation.
Food Rescue
Partnering with local grocers and restaurants to divert thousands of pounds of food waste from landfills.
Workforce Development
Creating dignified career pathways and meaningful employment for adults with developmental disabilities.
Build Community
Strengthening local VFWs and veteran posts through monthly group meals and social connection.
About Cooking for Long Island Veterans
Established in 2020, Cooking For Long Island Veterans is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to serving those who’ve served us. We provide weekly nourishing, restaurant-quality meals and groceries to veterans across Long Island.
What started as one meal for one veteran has grown into a powerful network of volunteers, families, and supporters who believe no veteran should be forgotten or go hungry. Each meal is delivered with care, compassion, and deep gratitude.
Whether you’re a veteran or a loved one seeking support, someone with a few hours to spare, or a generous soul looking to give back, there’s a place for you here.
Join us in honoring service with service. Because every veteran deserves the comfort of a warm meal and the reminder that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
The Need is in the Numbers
~1 in 10
Long Islanders currently experience food insecurity
~50 %
of veterans report feeling socially isolated or lonely after their service
~40%
of usable food in the U.S. is wasted annually
100k+
Veterans live on
Long Island
~7k
meals are delivered annually through C4LIV
100+
disabled adults are currently engaged in our inclusive workforce
1,000+
lbs of food are rescued locally each year through our provider partnerships
350+
veterans supported monthly through direct home deliveries and community VFW events.
Feeding America. (2023). Map the Meal Gap: Local data for better meals.
Pew Research Center. (2019). The American veteran experience and the post-9/11 generation.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). American Community Survey 1-year estimates: Veteran status.
U.S. Department of Commerce.U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Food waste FAQs.
Partner
with
C4LIV
Our mission wouldn't be possible without the incredible partners who walk alongside us every single week. From the sponsors at our gala and golf outing to the local businesses providing our fresh groceries, your support ensures our veterans are never forgotten. We are deeply grateful for every organization that helps us turn compassion into action.
