BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — There is now a way for you to support numerous local restaurants while simultaneously keeping healthcare workers nourished during the COVID-19 crisis.
A group of Western New Yorkers has created WNY Feeds the Frontline: an initiative that raises funds for restaurants so that they can keep their kitchens cooking to prepare and deliver meals to hospital workers.
“COVID-19 has forced our community’s healthcare workers to shift into an exceptionally high gear, while forcing so many of our beloved restaurants to stall. We were compelled to create a two-fold effort to support our different community members during this tough time,” said Dan Greene, WNY Feeds the Frontline organizer, in a statement.
Already, numerous well-known establishments have signed up. Last Friday, the popular taco truck & restaurant Lloyd Taco Factory delivered nearly 100 individually-packaged meals to Emergency Department and ICU staff at Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo.
According to organizers, WNY Feeds the Frontline takes online donations and bundles them into orders for local restaurants, which then deliver meals directly to partnering hospitals.
Rachel's, Shango, Coco, and The Lunch Box have also become participating restaurants in the effort. Greene says more than 300 meals have been delivered across Sisters and Buffalo General Hospital so far, but hopes to build even greater momentum with the community's support.
“We knew Buffalo, the City of Good Neighbors and #buffalove, would respond immediately and generously,” said Carolyn Hoyt-Stevens and Sam Hoyt, WNY Feeds the Frontline organizers.
“We are thrilled to be one of the benefactors of this program," said Carol Horton, vice president of the Kaleida Health Foundation.
WNY Feeds the Front Line plans to continue providing meals to healthcare workers across the community and support a number of local restaurants over the next several weeks.
Those interested in contributing to the effort can make a donation here. Donations are managed by the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
