Long Island residents can go online, shop for food for other families and then pay for it in their virtual cart.

The need for food on Long Island has jumped 250% since coronavirus hit. The Nassau County Legislature partnered with LI Cares - The Harry Chapin Food Bank and created the virtual way of shopping and giving.

"People want to help, and it's one thing to write a check for $25, it's another thing to be able to go online look at the food you want to purchase…put together a box that is focused on a child or a senior and make it happen," says Paule Pachter, of LI Cares.

Once the food gets delivered to LI Cares in Freeport, the organization then delivers it or makes it available for families to pick up.

Rich Nicolello, who is the presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, says this provides residents a way to help those in need while staying safe.

“A lot of people don't want to go out of their houses now and a lot of people don't want to go to the grocery stores to get them…they still want to contribute," says Nicolello.

The goal set for the virtual food drive was 5,000 lbs. of food. As of Thursday, donations are up to 5,800 lbs. and climbing.

The drive will be open until the end of the pandemic.

MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond