Who was Harry Chapin?
Harry Chapin was a popular folk/rock singer and songwriter (you may remember “Taxi” or “Cat’s in the Cradle”) who donated the proceeds from every other concert to fighting hunger.
He co-founded the organization WhyHunger, now a global nonprofit. Harry also established the Hunger Hotline in New York City and the Long Island Cares Food Bank. Harry spent much time on Capitol Hill convincing members of Congress and their staff to enact solutions to the solvable problem of hunger.
He was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for his outstanding humanitarian efforts.
In 1981, Harry died tragically at age 39 in an automobile crash on the Long Island Expressway. He was scheduled to perform another benefit concert that night.
Sandy Chapin, Harry’s widow, gave us permission to rename the food bank in his honor in 1994. The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida is proud to honor a man who contributed his talent, energy and passion to fighting hunger. His legacy lives on.