More than 251 tons of food distributed through FeedMore WNY during East Side emergency response

Additional support needed as response efforts continue

Posted: June 14, 2022

As the community continues to band together to support Buffalonians in the wake of the May 14 mass shooting, FeedMore WNY would like to acknowledge the continued response efforts and community support for the ongoing emergency food distributions.

In partnership with Erie County, the City of Buffalo, Resource Council of WNY, Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion and many other community partners, FeedMore WNY has been holding emergency food distributions at the Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion and Resource Council of WNY since May 16. During this time, FeedMore WNY distributed nutritious food – including produce and dairy – as well as personal care products, to help 64,439 people and 16,642 households. So far, FeedMore WNY has distributed a total of 503,400 pounds (approximately 251 tons) of food and product through both distribution sites since May 16.

These distributions have been made possible in part thanks to thousands of individuals who have stepped up to volunteer. Since the tragedy on May 14, more than 1,102 FeedMore WNY volunteers donated a total of 3,795 hours to help sort and pack emergency food donations and distribute food at the Resource Council of WNY and the Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion. FeedMore WNY also saw a more than 400 percent increase in new volunteer registrations compared to previous months in order to help the emergency response efforts.

“FeedMore WNY is grateful to all those who have donated food, funds and time to help support our Buffalo community during this horrific crisis. We are honored to stand beside many community partners who are working tirelessly to nourish the minds, bodies and spirits of our neighbors who have been affected by this act of hate,” Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said. “Our work is far from over. As we continue to hold emergency food distributions and deliver more food and resources to our partner food pantries within a ¾ of a mile radius of the Jefferson Avenue Tops, we need ongoing donations to support the response efforts.”

FeedMore WNY estimates the cost of the first month of emergency distributions to be approximately $3.5 million. Donations have helped to offset a small portion of that cost, but FeedMore WNY continues to need food and financial support in order to provide nutritious meals to neighbors as long as the need in the community continues.

Food donations can be dropped off at 91 Holt St., Buffalo, NY 14206 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Monetary donations can be made online at www.feedmorewny.org. In addition to its emergency response efforts, FeedMore WNY continues to operate its many feeding programs to nourish people of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Events such as FeedMore WNY’s annual Sweet Expectations fundraiser, which was rescheduled to today, June 14, in the wake of the mass shooting, also help FeedMore WNY continue its mission.

FeedMore WNY continues to hold emergency food distributions in East Buffalo every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Resource Council of WNY, 347 E. Ferry St., Buffalo, NY 14208; and every Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion, 1100 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, NY 14208, through July 8. The nonprofit continues to work closely with city, county and state partners to assess current needs and respond accordingly and will update the community as response efforts evolve.

To find a food pantry near you or learn about home-delivered meal services, call FeedMore WNY at (716) 822-2002 or visit our agency locator tool.