Community Action Organization of WNY Increases Food Security in East Buffalo.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Community Action Organization of Western New York (CAO) proudly announces the grand opening of their new food pantry inside of the Resource Council of WNY, located at 347 E Ferry Street on Tuesday, July 26th.
This effort is aimed to increase food security in the Cold Spring community. In addition to food acquired through our partner Feedmore WNY, pantry customers will also have access to fresh produce, meat, water and dairy items sourced through local partners, which include Providence Farms Collective and Fresh Fix thanks to funding provided by the CSBG CARES Act.
To commemorate the grand opening celebration, the CAO will be providing hotdogs and giveaways to the community on Tuesday, July 26th from 10am-2pm. There will also be a distribution of hygiene, personal care items, diapers and other baby care items to newly registered pantry clients while supplies last, thanks to the generous support of the Buffalo Together Community Response Fund.
The CAO will also be providing on-site assistance for our COVID-Relief programs. These programs aid individuals and families directly impacted by the Pandemic. They include rental and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, daycare scholarships, wellness classes and mental health counseling.
Residents of zip codes 14208 and 14209 who participate in any of the following programs: SNAP, WIC, TANF, Unemployment, Disability or SSI or who have a gross annual income that is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible to receive USDA Foods through TEFAP. All customers must provide proof of residence, monthly income and household size. To check eligibility or begin the registration process, residents should call 716.881.5150.
The pantry’s hours of operation will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm and extended hours on Fridays from 10am-6pm to accommodate working customers.
Brandi L. Haynes, Vice President of Adult Services says, “We are very excited about this partnership between the Community Action Organization of Western New York, Resource Council of WNY and FeedMore WNY. We have been working collectively to bring additional food resources to the 14208 zip code for several months and our relocation plan was finalized about a month before the Tops tragedy. We are committed to improving food security, not just in the Cold Spring community but throughout Erie and Niagara Counties, with various nutrition assistance programs.”
At the new location, the CAO will offer nutrition education classes as well as backyard and indoor gardening lessons provided by the CAgrO Urban Agriculture Program.
Catherine Roberts, Resource Council of WNY President and CEO says, “As a community hub and safe haven to residents of all ages, the Resource Council of WNY remains committed to helping families in need by providing access to a multitude of community resources at our facility located at 347 East Ferry Street. Thanks to this collaborative effort between partner organizations, food assistance will be readily available at various outlets throughout the Cold Spring community.”
Contact:
Brandi L. Haynes,
Vice President of Adult Services
716.881.5150 ext. 4772
Bhaynes@caowny.org
