To help ensure its food pantry shelves are stocked amid a growing need in the local community, Catholic Charities of Buffalo today announced it has received seven pallets of food for distribution across its eight pantries in Erie, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. Catholic Charities USA recently secured a financial contribution to purchase and 
push food out to its member agencies across the country, including Catholic Charities of Buffalo. Locally, this delivery from Sysco included one pallet of milk, one pallet of fresh fruits and vegetables, five pallets of shelf stable food and paper towels and toilet paper. These donations will serve approximately 300 families.
“With the recent disruption in SNAP benefits, our pantries have experienced an increase in visits by individuals and families, many who have never had to turn to a pantry before,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president & CEO, Catholic Charities. “We are grateful for our partnership with Catholic Charities USA, and we want to reassure the community that our pantries are adequately stocked and staffed to serve our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet during this difficult time.”
Catholic Charities maintains eight pantry and outreach centers in Western New York – six pantries in Erie County as well as a pantry in Wellsville in Allegany County, and in Franklinville in Cattaraugus County.
Each pantry has emergency food and offers information and referrals. Trained volunteers assess and help those in need through these centers. To determine eligibility, individuals will need to provide a list of information, including proof of residency, income, and number of people in your household. For more details and a list of Catholic Charities pantries, visit ccwny.org/basic-needs/.
