In the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Senator Kennedy Partner With NAACP and FeedMore WNY to Host Two Mobile Food Pantries in Buffalo

BUFFALO, NY – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact families across Western New York, Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo) partnered with the NAACP Buffalo Chapter and FeedMore WNY to host two mobile food pantries in the City of Buffalo. On Wednesday, May 6th, Kennedy, the NAACP Buffalo Branch, and Feedmore hosted a distribution event at Mount Olive Baptist Church at 701 E. Delavan Ave. from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. On Wednesday, May 27th, a similar event was held in the historic Olmsted-designed South Park near the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens at 2655 South Park Ave. from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. In order to prioritize public health and maintain safety standards, participants at the events were able to pick up food through both contactless drive-thru and walk-up systems. The event was free and open to the public. 

“Right now, our city, our state, and our nation is going through a very difficult time. COVID-19 has spread throughout Buffalo and New York quickly, and we know the best way to stay safe is to stay home,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “Unfortunately that means many people are isolated, temporarily out of work, or simply unable to access the basic necessities they need - necessities like food for their families. Through these two mobile food pantries, our goal has been to bring these resources directly to the communities where they’re needed most. We thank the NAACP Buffalo Branch, FeedMore WNY, Mount Olive Baptist Church, and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens for partnering with us on these important initiatives. Remember: we’re all in this together.”

“The NAACP Buffalo Branch has been happy to partner with Senator Tim Kennedy in this effort to bring food to our communities during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rev. Mark Blue, President of the NAACP Buffalo Branch.

“There is an incredible need for food assistance in Western New York as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. FeedMore WNY exists to provide nutritious food and support to our vulnerable neighbors of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances," said Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY. “FeedMore WNY is able to fulfill our mission thanks to the support of our wonderful partners. We are grateful to Senator Tim Kennedy, NAACP, Mount Olive Baptist Church and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens for their partnership as we work together to ensure our community members do not go hungry during these challenging times.”

“As this unprecedented crisis continues to impact families in Buffalo and around the world, we must lean on each other and lift each other up through acts of service and a commitment to our greater community,” said Rev. William Gillison, Mount Olive Baptist Church. “We are proud to serve as a partner in the mobile food pantries organized by Senator Kennedy, the NAACP’s Buffalo Chapter, and FeedMore WNY."

"We would like to thank Senator Kennedy for partnering with these important organizations to support their efforts to provide essential services to our community during this difficult time," said David Swarts, President/CEO Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

Those who are in need of help but who were unable to attend these distributions can contact FeedMore WNY at (716) 822-2002 or visit www.feedmorewny.org to be connected with nutritious food.

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