By Alana Gibbs
The Food Bank of Western New York provides food to 500 food pantries year-round. The CEO and president of the food bank said he appreciates all the donations, but now are in need of some goods more than others.
Clem Eckert has worked at the food bank for 11 years and has been president and CEO for 10 of those years. Eckert came out of retirement to work at the food bank. Prior to Eckert’s retirement, he worked in retail for wholesale food dealers; Peter J Schmitt, Twin Fair and Tripifoods Inc.
“It was the greatest move ever made,” Eckert said
Eckert said he enjoys his job and is happy to work for the food bank.
There are currently 500 pantries that receive goods from the Food Bank of WNY.
The food bank provides a variety of food and hygiene items, the following items are listed from most plentiful to received but needed items.
The media may be making a difference
Eckert said local news stations and supermarkets like Tops and Wegmans have been a primary tool for the food bank. He also believes the media has reminded local residents to donate to the food bank year-round.
“With media help, in a lot of people’s eyes we are their charity of choice,” Eckert said.
Baby diapers on the menu
Canned goods and produce are frequently donated to the food bank, but hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap are donated as well. Eckert said he would like to see more baby diapers donated to the food bank.
“There are a lot of single parents who need food and baby diapers too,” Eckert said.
A look at one food pantry
The University Presbyterian Food Pantry on, 3330 Main St. by the University at Buffalo’s South Campus, opened over 20 years ago in 1984.
MaryAnn MacDonald works as the administrative assistant at the church since 1998 and is involved in the food pantry.
MacDonald said the food pantry at the University Presbyterian Church has a strictly volunteer staff. The volunteers hand out goods at the food pantry every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., to people who are eligible and live under the church’s assigned zip code list.
The University Presbyterian Food Pantry’s assigned ZIP codes are north of Amherst Street:
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14214, 14221, 14226, 14068, 14228, 14601, 14062, 14051.
Residents who live in these neighborhoods are able to receive food once a month except on Thanksgiving and Christmas; these holiday dinners are added on to the month visit.
The food pantry at the church provides people with the ingredients for meals but does not prepare them.
This year’s Thanksgiving menu was…
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turkey or chicken
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stuffing mix
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cranberry sauce
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yams/sweet potatoes
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potatoes
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green vegetable
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corn muffin mix
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cake or brownie mix
If there are any questions please contact Alana Gibbs at: gibbaf28@buffalostate.edu
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