April 2024 Newsletter
Isaiah 40:31. …But Those Who Hope In The LORD Will Renew Their Strength.
After His resurrection, Jesus encounters the disciples and says, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21. This greeting was consistent with his earthly ministry, as Jesus taught us God’s peace becomes ours when we make the connection between the joy of Easter and our calling to reach out to share the Good News.
The poverty and pain that we see in our own community and beyond will never just simply go away; we cannot allow its darkness to smother the joy and hope of Easter. Instead, it should empower us to follow Christ’s example — feeding the hungry.
For over three decades, Hearts’ staff and volunteers have nourished the community physically and spiritually. Your generous support and faithfulness has helped make this possible. Together, we have been a beacon of hope for people in need. Through the Hearts Food Pantry Express, we are forming relationships and connecting with our neighbors beyond Buffalo’s city limits.
Communities like Kenmore and the Cleveland-Hill area are among those grappling with food insecurity. This is the first time these communities are being served in this way and the Hearts Food Pantry Express is committed to easing their burden, bringing food and hope directly to these communities.
Geri, who provides for her six grandchildren, said “The Food Pantry Express expands food throughout the month, it helps the needs of my family so much.” Geri says the most important thing other than her family is hope. When Easter is upon us, Geri prays on the hope of Christ’s resurrection.
“Everyone experiences hard times and everybody needs help sometimes”, says Corinne. “Hearts is always there when I really need them. Without them, I don’t think that I would have enough food to feed my family.” Corinne and her husband have three children and have fallen on hard times. Corinne is thankful for the variety of food the Food Pantry Express offers and for the amazing people who volunteer their time. “For those of us that need it, it’s a blessing”, says Corinne.
Hearts encourages everyone to allow Easter’s reminder of hope to continue to shine and never dim with time and trouble. Thank you for supporting Geri, Corinne and the 26,623 individuals who were served in the first three months of the year through Hearts’ programs and partnerships.
Become A Volunteer. Help give hope to those in need.
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry
The food pantry offers a dignified program utilizing a “client choice” distribution method so individuals and families can choose the food that personally suits their needs.
In March, Hearts Harvest Food Pantry Served 21,861 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 709 | 24 | 52 | 936 | 1,221 | 196 | 2,429 |
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry serves the 14207 community Tuesdays 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Fridays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Hearts Food Pantry Express
The Hearts Food Pantry Express is a mobile solution designed to address food insecurity in communities across Western New York.
In March, Hearts Mobile Food Pantry Expresses Served 2,781 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 125 | 2 | 9 | 77 | 133 | 88 | 309 |
Hearts Food Pantry Express at Christ United Methodist Church serves Mondays 12:30 PM – 4:40 PM. Hearts Food Pantry Express at Buffalo First Church of the Nazarene serves Thursdays 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry
We served our clients a variety of items such as milk, eggs, fresh produce, pasta, books, Bombas socks and so much more!
In March, Hearts Mobile Food Pantry Expresses Served 370 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 119 | 1 | 6 | 96 | 211 | 56 | 370 |
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry is held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hearts Campus from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Thank you, Derrick Corporation! This large group of volunteers visited Hearts last week and it was a pleasure to welcome them for the third time! They were a huge help on the Hearts Campus. From helping in the Hearts Harvest Food Pantry to the Commercial Kitchen. Their biggest helping hand was assisting with our monthly Mobile Food Pantry where they helped Hearts serve 370 people! If you would like to volunteer, please visit our website.