FeedMore WNY is making headlines today as it faces significant funding cuts at the same time that food insecurity is worsening across New York State. A recent report from the New York Health Foundation has confirmed that hunger in New York has reached alarming levels, with more than 2 million residents—over 1 in 10 people—reporting they did not have enough to eat in the past week. The crisis is hitting Black and Hispanic communities the hardest.
FeedMore WNY Faces Major Cuts
As hunger grows, the resources to fight it are shrinking. FeedMore WNY recently announced it will lose over $3.5 million in food due to the termination of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) program, a federal funding source. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to permanently end $500 million in food purchases for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) means that vital supplies—including chicken, turkey, pork, cheese, and eggs—will no longer reach families in need across Western New York.
“This is a significant funding cut for FeedMore Western New York, and it’s coming at a time when we know there is increased demand for food assistance in our community,” said Catherine Shick, FeedMore WNY’s public relations manager.
The numbers paint a clear picture: between May and August 2025, 12 pending food orders—accounting for 13% of the food FeedMore distributed in 2024—have been canceled. Poultry and dairy, which are already difficult to obtain through traditional food donations, will become even scarcer, straining food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that serve those in need.
How This Impacts Heart, Love & Soul
At Heart, Love & Soul, we are grateful to receive New York State grants that cover much of our food costs. However, we also purchase food at a reduced cost from FeedMore and rely on their monthly mobile food pantry to serve 150-200 households. FeedMore provides us with essential items, including chicken, holiday turkeys, canned goods, and other staples—many at no cost or drastically reduced prices.
With FeedMore losing critical funding, it is uncertain how these cuts will affect us and our ability to serve those who rely on us. A reduction in what we receive would put an even greater strain on our resources, especially as food costs remain high.
The need is only growing. Between 2021 and 2024, meal distribution at our pantry increased by 114%, and this year, we are already 15% ahead of where we were at this time last year. The data confirms what we experience firsthand every day—hunger in New York State is at its worst level since the pandemic. At a time when more families than ever are turning to us for help, cuts to federal food programs and FeedMore’s resources could make it even harder to meet the growing demand.
How You Can Help
We cannot let our neighbors go hungry. Now more than ever, we need the community to come together. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Advocate for Change
Contact your local representatives and urge them to prioritize food security funding:
-
Rep. Tim Kennedy
Niagara Falls District Office (Monday & Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM)
800 Main Street, Suite 3C, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Phone: (716) 282-1274
kennedy.house.gov -
Rep. Claudia Tenney
Lockport District Office
169 Niagara Street, Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: (716) 514-5130
tenney.house.gov -
Rep. Nick Langworthy
Clarence District Office
8201 Main Street, Suite 13, Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone: (716) 547-6844
langworthy.house.gov
Support Our Spring Appeal
Your financial support helps us continue providing nutritious meals to those in need. Every contribution makes a difference! See our appeal here!
Donate Food
Help keep our pantry stocked by donating nonperishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and dairy products. See our most needed items list here!
Other Local Pantries
We work alongside FeedMore WNY and several local food pantries to support our community, including:
- Community Missions of Niagara Frontier
- Wilson Community Food Pantry
- Care-n-Share Pantry
- NIACAP – Rose Marra Center
- Holy Family
- Salvation Army
- St. John de LaSalle
- Word of Life
Together, we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry. Thank you for your support!
Media Contact Information
Michael Jones
Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone: 716-282-5687 Ext. 111
Email: m.jones@heartloveandsoul.org