FOOD BANK OF WESTERN NEW YORK

Last updated on October 19, 2011

Our Mission is to obtain food and support from private and public sources and effectively redistribute these resources to affiliated charitable providers such as soup kitchens, pantries and shelters.

Description:
The Food Bank acts as a bridge between available food sources and agencies servicing the hungry. We service four counties, Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus & Chautauqua. These agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens,shelters,child day care centers,adult daycare centers,summer camps,snack programs,Kids Cafes, group homes and religious group homes.

History:
HISTORY/FOOD BANK OF WESTERN NEW YORK

1978 - A group of interested agency representatives met at the Community Action Organization to develop a comprehensive method of food crises intervention.
1979 - We became the 39th food bank of the Second Harvest chain. Eighteen agencies were added.
1981 - The food bank was incorporated under the name of Community Food Center of Western New York, Inc. A warehouse had to be secured.
1982 - First logo developed.
1983 - Warehouse site at 701 Seneca Street (for $1 for first year).
1984 - The first millionth pound of food was distributed. New York State began its Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
1985 - The food bank was now serving four counties: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara. 198 agencies were now members of the Food Bank.
1986 - Banner year - distribution reached 5 million pounds. A 5,235 cubic foot freezer was acquired.
1987 - The Community Food Center of Western New York, Inc. made giant strides toward improved service and efficiency by installing a computer system.
1988 - The food bank moved to 91 Holt Street in Buffalo and purchased a 37,000 square foot warehouse.
1989 - The name was changed to Food Bank of Western New York, Inc. and we began receiving USDA product. This was the first year 1 million pounds of product were distributed per month.
1991 - We distributed our 50 millionth pound of product.
1992 - The Food Bank invested in a 70,000 cubic foot freezer.
1995 - The 100 millionth pound of product was distributed. The Food Bank sought new food sources/programs to replace the dwindling USDA commodity food.
1996 - There was growing concern about the effects of further cuts in state and federal food
assistance -- at a time when demand for help was not decreasing. Local fund-raising had
increased in importance. Produce for People was initiated to increase acquisition and
distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables.
1997 - Check Out Hunger provided the Food Bank $208,000 - a record. Kids Cafe program
expanded to seven sites. New Food Bank logo developed.
1998 - * A building renovation program was begun. A $1 M capital campaign was undertaken.

• Hunger 1997: the Faces & Facts study released.
• Collaboration between the Buffalo Foundation, K.I.D.S. Foundation and the Food Bank

1999 - * Building renovation completed.

• $1M Capital Campaign goal surpassed!
• Collaboration between Goodwill and the Food Bank
• A modern new computer system was installed to ensureY2K compliance and enhance

operational efficiencies.
2000 - *Official opening of Grass Roots Community Garden

• Empowerment Program becomes a reality.
• Strategic Plan 2000-2003 adopted – including new mission and vision statements.
• Web site developed.

2001 - * Food Express program expanded.

• Agency Assistance program developed.
• Agency Food Outlet improved.
• Scanning system was being developed.
• Kids Helping Other Kids program expanded.
• Good Cookin’ program expanded.

2002 - * Collaborations with Goodwill Industries
 Breaking the Line
 Urban Revitalization Center

• Hunger in America Study 2001 released.
• National Association of Letter Carries’ food drive set a new record – 1.151 million

pounds of product collected.

• Check Out Hunger campaign set a new record - $309,000.
• Kids in the Kitchen program expanded.
• The Kids Helping Other Kids program won an award from America's Second Harvest.



Contact people:


Katie Chadwick, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) PAULA MILLIGAN, DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR, (phone), (email) Anne Julian, Agency Services Manager, (phone), (email)


Office fax number: (716) 852-7858

Address:


91 Holt St Buffalo, NY 14206 (See a map)


Web Site: http://www.foodbankwny.org

Directions:

Our organization is located in Buffalo off William Street near the post office and GoodWill. We are between William and Clinton Streets. If driving down William from main st. Go past Fillmore to Lewis .Turn right, go two. . . (more)

Last updated on October 19, 2011