While Feedmore WNY has lost access to roughly $3.5 million in food products, a spokesman for the organization said Friday, “We still have some time to figure some things out.”
Following the cut this week of the Commodity Credit Corporation program of the US Department of Agriculture, Collin Bishop, chief communications officer for FeedMore WNY, said the first orders placed that Feedmore won’t receive will happen the week of May 19.
In particular, 12 pending Commodity Credit Corporation orders consisting of truckloads of food including chicken, turkey, pork, cheese, and eggs, for delivery between May and August were canceled. Based on past funding, FeedMore WNY estimates the value of those truckloads to be worth $3.5 million in products.
“That is when we start missing orders that we hoped to receive,” he said. “After that, it’s possible that some of those items that (partners) are used to seeing on that shopping list won’t be there. We might need to get some other items to replace it. We‘re working through that.”
In particular, items such as chicken, turkey, pork, cheese and eggs, have been canceled.
Catherine Shick, Feedmore WNY’s public relations manager told Channel 4 News the poultry and dairy items are considered “high value.”
“It’s a little tricky to make up those type of food items to go out to our agencies because that is something that is difficult for the general public to donate,” Shick said. “It is much more difficult for us to accept donations of items like poultry and dairy products unless it’s coming from a food industry partner.”
The Commodity Credit Corporation program funds were a main federal funding source for FeedMore WNY, allowing the organization to order food supplies designated for distribution to income qualified recipients.
Feedmore WNY serves 19,939 Niagara County residents by distributing food to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, schools, and home-delivered meal programs. Among the county hunger relief organizations that receive food inventory impacted by the federal cut include All Saints Food Pantry, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Niagara Community Action Program’s Lockport pantry, Raymond Community Church, The Salvation Army Lockport, and Newfane Community Food Pantry, according to Feedmore WNY. Lockport City School District used the food inventory for its elementary back pack program and junior and senior high school pantries.
The federal funding cut comes at a time when FeedMore WNY and its partner agencies across Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties are experiencing increased demand for services. Last year, FeedMore WNY assisted 165,722 individuals — including approximately 53,400 children and 41,200 older adults — across its four-county service area. A 46% increase compared to people served in 2021. In Niagara County, Feedmore WNY has seen a 15% increase in demand since last year, and a 47% increase since 2021.
Bishop acknowledged the seriousness of the cuts “at a time when grocery prices and the cost of living remain incredibly high for hard-working families” but reiterated the organization’s mission.
“Despite the challenges wrought by these funding cuts, FeedMore WNY remains committed to fulfilling our mission of providing nutritious food and support to hungry community members of all ages,” he said. “We will continue to serve our hunger-relief agencies and work with our community partners to offer dignity, hope and brighter futures to our Western New York neighbors in need.”