According to the USDA, “Food security means access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.” Many urban neighborhoods across the U.S. are considered food deserts due to the difficulty in obtaining affordable and nutritious food options. In order to combat this food insecurity, there is often a push toward moving supermarkets and large grocery stores into these neighborhoods. In our own community, the Tops located on Jefferson was one resource that had a major impact on providing healthy food options to Buffalo’s East Side.
With the horrific, racism-fueled attack on WNY’s Black community, now more than ever, East Side residents are relying on community fridges to obtain their daily nutrition. If you are looking for a resource or would like to show your support for the victims’ families and those affected, here are the ways you can get involved:
Note: This list is in no way complete and as more resources become available, we will add them to this list.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
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1. Tops & FeedMore WNY
To address the Jefferson Avenue Tops Market closure, food will be distributed to those in need by Tops and Feed More WNY at the Resource Council of WNY (347 E. Ferry St) from 2pm-9pm today (Monday 5/16) and then from 9am–9pm each day through at least May 27. Tops will also be providing bus transportation from 10am-7pm daily from Jefferson and Riley Street to the Elmwood location of Tops. Food donations can be dropped off at Feed More WNY at 91 Holt Street.
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2. Buffalo Community Fridge
The Buffalo Community Fridge relies on community members and local businesses to drop off food. They welcome fresh fruit and produce, pantry staples, and prepared meals. Due to the need for healthy food options, groceries are preferred over monetary donations and can be dropped off at 257 East Ferry Street, available 24/7.
3. Rooted In Love
Rooted In Love provides fresh produce, nonperishable foods and hygiene products to the WNY community. Donations can be dropped off at 347 East Ferry Street.
4. Feed Buffalo
Donations accepted at Feed Buffalo include, any canned goods marked organic, nut-based milk, non-bleached and non-GMO items, as well as fresh produce from local farms and halal meat.
5. African Heritage Food Co-op
African Heritage Food Co-op is looking for engagement through membership, volunteering, and, buying produce.
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6. Buffalo Collegiate Love Fridge
Located at 45 Jewett Ave, Buffalo Collegiate Love Fridge is a community fridge supported by Buffalo Collegiate Charter School.
7. Upper Room Church of God in Christ
Located at 131 Florida Street, the food pantry provides 3 meals for 3 days for each household member. Open Wednesdays, 1pm-4pm and Thursdays, 9am-12:30pm.
8. Coldspring Community Foundation Soup Kitchen
Located at 234 Glenwood Avenue Coldspring will provide a hot meal to those in need. Open Wednesdays 11:30am-1:30pm and Saturdays 9:30am-11:30am.
9. Group Ministries Pantry
Located at 1333 Jefferson Avenue, Group Ministries is open Monday and Wednesday 10am-2pm. For more information, please call (716) 883-4367.
10. Greater Works Christian Fellowship Pantry
Food is available Wednesday 10am-4pm, located at 210 Southhampton Street.
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11. Refuge Temple Church Pantry
The pantry is located at 943 Jefferson Ave and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 11am-2pm.
12. St. Vincent De Paul Dinning Room Soup Kitchen
The dining room is located at 1298 Main Street and is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 11am-12:30pm.
13. 716 Little Free Pantry Coalition
Little Free Pantry connects you with free pantries across the 716. The pantries are available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year and are self serve and community driven.
14. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has a Food Pantry at 960 Main Street, only 1.5 miles away from the Tops on Jefferson. It is open to the public M, W, F from 9am – 1pm.