July 2024 Newsletter
Rising Demand At The Mobile Food Pantry As School Ends
Many children in Western New York who rely on free or reduced-price school meals may be left without sufficient food during the summer months when schools are closed. During the school year, 25,000 students receive free breakfast and 29,000 students receive free lunches across Buffalo Public Schools. These next two months are critical and can be a hardship for many families. However, there is good news and you can help be a blessing to families this summer!
The Hearts and FeedMore Mobile Food Pantry assists families in the community by providing an extra source of relief on the 4th Wednesday of the month. The Mobile Food Pantry offers everything from non-perishable items, to fresh foods and toiletries. The variety changes monthly and we always try to offer something new. The Hearts and Feedmore Mobile Food Pantry is an additional food distribution program for anyone who arrives at the Hearts Campus. It is not limited to the local zip code like most food pantries and does not have other requirements, nor income requirements. For those who visit from the Riverside community, it’s a bonus distribution and the special items help show God’s abundant love for those in our neighborhood and all of Western New York.
“Families are really struggling right now”, said Elizabeth R. Her and her husband have five children and they rely on the breakfast and lunch provided at their children’s school. They already shop at lower priced grocery stores like Price Rite and Aldi to make their dollars go further and the meals provided at school help with their weekly budget. “Fruits and veggies are so expensive, it’s nice to know we can get fresh produce here to help our family”, said Elizabeth.
Maria D. and her husband have three kids and they too rely on the school lunches. “Our food stamps got lowered because my husband got a small raise,” said Maria. Her family struggles each month and the Mobile Food Pantry helps her family to receive extra food. “We rely on the pantry for help. It makes me nervous to think about the extra food needed at home, not being in school”, said Maria.
You can make a difference to help provide nutritious groceries and meals for children and families who are facing hunger.
Donate Today. Pray Today.
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry
“The pantry has good products and the staff are nice.” – Family of four.
In June, Hearts Harvest Food Pantry Served 17,064 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 515 | 25 | 77 | 702 | 942 | 147 | 1,896 |
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry serves the Riverside community
Tuesdays 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Fridays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Hearts Food Pantry Express
“It’s nice to pick what you want instead of being wasteful.” – Female Client from Christ United Methodist Church site
In June, Hearts Mobile Food Pantry Expresses Served 3,474 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 144 | 9 | 20 | 118 | 173 | 66 | 386 |
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
They are very helpful for people with limited income.” – Senior husband and wife
In June, Hearts Mobile Food Pantry Expresses Served 403 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 125 | 4 | 6 | 153 | 182 | 58 | 403 |
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry is held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hearts Campus from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
A Restored Life: Meet Virgil
Virgil was living in a rooming house on Tonawanda Street and had limited resources. At most, he had a microwave and a small refrigerator along with other sparse furnishings. It was at his next visit Virgil asked if we could assist him with finding someone or an organization that could help him with his medical, mental health and housing needs.
Fast forward, he just moved into a brand-new apartment, furniture was being arranged and the thing he was most excited about was that he had an oven. “I have an oven; I just can’t believe I finally have an oven. Haven’t had one of those in I don’t know how long”, said Virgil.
A huge thank you to Step Out Buffalo! They collected an assortment of clothing and toiletries during their Buffalo Artisans & Flea event. These came to us right in the nick of time as we were just running out of toiletries!
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- donated clothes
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- toiletries
