FeedMore WNY receives $3 million in federal funding for new facility

FeedMore WNY recently received significant support from a trio of federal lawmakers to assist with the creation of our new, permanent facility that will alleviate food insecurity and joblessness throughout Western New York.

Included in the recently passed federal spending package is $3 million for FeedMore WNY’s capital campaign. The funding was requested by Congressman Nick Langworthy in the House of Representatives, then protected and fully funded in the Senate by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. FeedMore WNY is thankful to Rep. Langworthy and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for prioritizing and championing the funding request.

“We are grateful for the support of Rep. Langworthy for requesting and securing $3 million in federal funding in the House, and for the partnership of Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for protecting and funding the request in the Senate. This new facility is critical to the continuation and growth of FeedMore WNY’s vital programs that tackle root causes of food insecurity, increase access to nutritious food, provide nourishment and comfort to vulnerable neighbors, offer free workforce development and community nutrition education, and much more. We deeply appreciate the commitment of Rep. Langworthy and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to building brighter futures for our Western New York community members,” Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said.

FeedMore WNY’s new 197,700 square-foot facility will be located in Hamburg, which is the approximate geographic center of FeedMore WNY’s four-county service area. The larger facility will expand warehouse and commercial kitchen capacity, enable the growth of FeedMore WNY’s free workforce development program, and include other mission-critical improvements to feed the line and shorten the line of individuals needing food assistance.

“I’m proud to secure $3 million for FeedMore WNY’s new building in Hamburg to give them the space they need to continue their important work and provide more food to those who need it,” Congressman Langworthy said. “Access to nutritious food can be life-changing for individuals and families facing food insecurity. This investment will not only expand FeedMore WNY’s food intake capacity but enhance their ability to implement innovative programs and initiatives aimed at helping our neighbors.”

“All New Yorkers should have access to fresh, affordable, healthy food options, and together with FeedMore WNY, we are delivering federal resources to tackle food insecurity head-on. I am proud to deliver this $3 million federal investment to help make FeedMore’s centralized anti-hunger facility in the Town of Hamburg a reality,” Majority Leader Schumer said. “These federal dollars will help FeedMore build an even more robust and resilient local food economy, increasing access to vital nutrition programs to serve underserved neighborhoods across Western NY and help ensure a brighter and more equitable future for all of our Buffalo families.”

“FeedMore WNY provides a lifeline to tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers,” Sen. Gillibrand said. “This funding will help FeedMore WNY build a brand new facility where it can accept more donations, grow its workforce development training program, and expand its commercial kitchen to deliver more meals. In Fiscal Year 2023, I delivered $2 million for this project, and I’m proud to have secured another $3 million in this year’s spending bill. I look forward to seeing the new space in action soon.”

FeedMore WNY is calling on its community partners to help make our new permanent home a reality. To learn more and to get involved, visit our capital campaign page.