The whole month of November, the Food Bank of WNY is teaming up with local YMCA’s to collect non-perishable foods like canned soup. Last year more than 2,700 meals were served through this effort, and organizers hope to surpass that number this year.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize that hunger is so pervasive in WNY,” said Catherine Shick, Food Bank of WNY Public and Community Relations Manager.
During the holiday season, the Food Bank of WNY sees an uptick in the number of people who need help to avoid going hungry.
“As the weather gets colder a lot of people are worrying about do they have enough money to pay the heating bill, or do they have enough money to put the food on the table,” said Shick.
The Food Bank works with partner agencies, like St. Simons to reach people in need across Western New York.
“Three hundred families a month come through the Genesis Center and our partnership with the Food Bank is a great one, basically the Food Bank provides us with 95% of our food,” said Teresa Missel, Administrator at St. Simons food pantry.
According to the Food Bank, 1 in 8 people in the 4 counties served by the non-profit is at risk of hunger.
A special partnership with the YMCA goes a long way in helping to make sure people in need have food on the table during the holidays.
“YMCA donors, turkey trot runners, and participants have collected food worth over 20,000 meals over the past 7 years. A small can of soup or a small box of mac and cheese or something means so much,” said Geoffrey Falkner, YMCA Communications Director.
You can contact the Food Bank of WNY directly to make a donation at: 91 Holt Street in Buffalo, https://www.foodbankwny.org/ or by calling (716) 852-1305
YMCA donation locations:
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Delaware Family YMCA 2564 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216
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Lockport Family YMCA 5833 Snyder Dr. Lockport, NY 14094
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YMCA Buffalo Niagara Association Office 301 Cayuga Rd, Suite 100 Buffalo, NY 14225
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Independent Health Family Branch YMCA 150 Tech Dr. Amherst, NY 14221
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Southtowns Family YMCA 1620 Southwestern Blvd. West Seneca, NY 14224
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Ken-Ton Family YMCA 535 Belmont Ave. Kenmore, NY 14223
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William-Emslie Family YMCA 585 William St. Buffalo, NY 14206
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