I was catching up on paperwork Sunday afternoon when I realized I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. So, I went downstairs to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and made myself a snack.

Then I thought about all of the people who can't make themselves a snack whenever they're hungry. This year, in the Long Island metropolitan area, more than 500,000 children and more than 300,000 senior citizens will need to go to soup kitchens or food pantries when they're hungry.

According to one food bank spokesperson, "The person most likely on line for food assistance is a single mother of two who rents an apartment and has a job that pays less than $15,000 a year. She receives food stamps, but that's not enough to get her family through the month."

When I started volunteering at the Interfaith Nutrition Network's soup kitchen in Hempstead six years ago, we fed an average of 150-200 people a day. Currently, the same facility is serving more than 300 meals every day. For many who eat at the soup kitchen, this is their first meal of the day. For others, it may be their only meal of the day.

Compassionate friends and neighbors in Great Neck have joined with me to sponsor meals at this soup kitchen. Last year, we were able to provide more than 4,000 meals for families in need. With your help, we hope to do even more this year.

Next time you open your refrigerator and make a snack, think of those who aren't as fortunate. You can help by writing a check to the Interfaith Nutrition Network. Donations may be mailed to Dave Golbert, 7 Lee Court West, Great Neck, NY 11024.

Every contribution, large or small, sends a message of hope to those who need it most.