May 2023 Newsletter
Better Together: Feeding Thousands Through Impactful Partnerships
An exciting development over the past year are the partnerships we’ve made with local businesses and franchises who regularly donate to Hearts in support of our mission. A few of those involved in our food recovery efforts are Chick-Fil-A, Pepperidge Farm, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and University at Buffalo.
Food recovery is a win-win situation for both businesses and the community. For businesses, it provides an opportunity to give back to those in need and save food from going to waste. By donating excess or unsold food to Hearts for the Homeless®, businesses can reduce their food waste and disposal costs while also helping those facing food insecurity.
For Hearts, the benefits are substantial. Donated food can help feed individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to afford meals.The bread and produce from Wegmans gives our clients more fresh and healthy food options that are not always available to them. This not only supports the physical health of recipients but can also alleviate stress and financial strain.
The chicken we receive from Chick-Fil-A is extremely versatile. It gives us more options for new meals for our clients who are served through the Mobile Soup Kitchen and our various meal partnerships including partner homeless shelters. The donation of chicken also reduces the significant financial cost of purchasing meat so your financial donations can go further and allow us to feed and reach even more of our brothers and sisters in need.
We value all who support us in our efforts to nourish the community through dignified service, both on an individual and corporate level. With larger food donations, combined with the support of our volunteers and individual donors, we are able to continue to expand our partnerships and impact the lives of so many more people living in Western New York.
From Hearts Kitchen
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” ~Isaiah 58:7
April 2023
Total Clients Served at Library: 1,211
Male: 849
Female: 301
Seniors: 39
Children: 22
Hot Meals Made for Homeless Shelters: 3,000
Meal Bags Made for Buffalo Dream Center Outreach: 400
Talk From The Street & Heart
“Hearts was there when I needed help the most and are still here to this day years later”
~ Anonymous Mobile Soup Kitchen Client
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry
Our volunteer shopping assistants give personal attention to each shopper, guiding them through each food group area. They help shoppers select food fit for their family size and make them feel comfortable.
In April, Hearts Harvest Food Pantry Served 15,921 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 701 | 17 | 40 | 517 | 977 | 218 | 1,769 |
The Hearts Harvest Food Pantry offers much more than just groceries. Through relationships, the ministry’s staff and volunteers are able to make personal connections with our neighbors.
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry
The Hearts Mobile Food Pantry serves shoppers of all ages. During April’s food pantry we saw a lot of young shoppers. They were able to pick out food as well as toiletries like shampoo and conditioner.
In April, Hearts Mobile Food Pantry Served 399 Individuals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 148 | 4 | 6 | 103 | 229 | 57 | 459 |
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry is held the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hearts Campus from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. There are no zip code restrictions and everyone is welcome.
Matt is an 8th grader who belongs to the National Juniors Honor Society. In doing his volunteer work for the society, he chose to make blessing bags for the homeless.
