Ep 86: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Paul Pachter on hmTv

Send us Fan MailEpisode 86 – Ordinary Heroes: Paul Pachter on Fighting Hunger & Carrying Harry Chapin’s LegacyIn this inspiring episode, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Paul Pachter, President & CEO of Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank. From their shared Brooklyn roots and memories of Jan’s legendary “Kitchen Sink” sundae to the sobering reality that 280,000 Long Islanders—including 55,000 children—are food-insecure, Paul traces how rock-icon-turned-activist Harry Chapin transformed a regional crisis into a movement for dignity and self-sufficiency.Key moments you’ll hear:Hunger vs. food insecurity – why language shapes solutions.The story behind Chapin’s 1980 founding of Long Island Cares and its growth to nine locations distributing 16 million pounds of food annually.Innovative programs—from Baxter’s Pet Pantry for family pets to a Center for Community Engagement—that redefine what a food bank can be.How corporate partners and 2,500+ volunteers turn compassion into $10 million of yearly impact.Why today’s economic pressures keep demand rising—and how you can help.Paul’s personal mission to keep Harry Chapin’s humanitarian flame alive, plus a shared call with HMTC to fight antisemitism and online hate.Whether you’re passionate about social justice, volunteerism, or simply love a good Brooklyn nostalgia trip, this conversation proves that ordinary people can tackle extraordinary challenges—and that every can, dollar, or hour donated makes a hero’s difference. Tune in, be inspired, and find out how to join the fight against hunger right in your own backyard.Support the show