Local partners launch food distribution effort to support Buffalo community impacted by mass shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — If you are suffering through food insecurity, poverty, or any issue - local partners have stepped up to provide food free of charge. Here's where you can find it:

Feedmore WNY has sponsored two separate food giveaways:

1. Resource Council of WNY located at 347 East Ferry Street which is just two blocks away from Tops Markets. Tops is temporarily closed as the investigation continues. A release says the distribution will provide nutritious food, basic necessities and toiletries until at least Friday, May 27th or until Tops Markets announces plans to re-open.
   
   1. The Resource Council of WNY also will be hosting the "McRig" on Sunday, May 22nd, and Monday, May 23d.
      
      1. The McDonald's disaster relief food truck plans on preparing and giving away approximately 8,000 hot and made to order meals from the location each day,
         
         1. The distribution will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The "McRig" was brought to Western New York by local franchise owner David Singlyn, who owns 32 stores throughout the Southern Tier.

"This is what its all about. Helping the community heal through random acts of kindness," said Singlyn.

Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion located at 1100 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, NY 14208

1. 1. May 17 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and May 18 through May 27 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
   2. On Sunday, May 22nd from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will be hosting a collaboration with Chiavetta's catering to give away 500 hot meals on a first come first serve basis.

For more information on Feedmore, plus how to get involved with either donations, or a donation of time:

Other food drives and donations include:

• Buffalo Community Fridge located at 257 E Ferry, Buffalo, NY 14208.
  
  1. May 18th through May 27th all day.
• For more information on how to help the Community Fridge:

• Candles in the S.U.N. - at the Mandella Market, 272 E. Ferry, Buffalo, NY 14208.
  
  1. May 19th, 12P-2P.
• For more information on Candles in the S.U.N. giveaways post May 19th:

• Unapologetic Coffee located at 1375 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14208
  
  1. May 17th, 5P-8P.
• For further info on Unapologetic Coffee post May 17th:

• View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Unapologetic Coffee (@unapologeticcoffeeus)

• Hertel Avenue:
  
  • Businesses are banding together along the street to bring on donations, as well as encourage donations to help assist those who lost loved ones:

• View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Mister Sizzle's (@mistersizzles)

Local partners gathered Monday to launch a food distribution effort to support the Buffalo community impacted by Saturday's mass shooting. The Tops supermarket is the only supermarket in the area, and therefore has restricted food access for many in the Masten District.

Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr., who represents the Masten District, was joined by the following local organizations to detail the effort:

• Tops Markets
• FeedMore of WNY
• Saving Grace Ministries
• The Chapel
• American Red Cross
• Erie County Office of Mental Health
• BestSelf Behavioral Health
• Back to Basics

A press conference was held Monday afternoon which you can watch below.

Donations can be dropped off at the FeedMore WNY warehouse at 91 Holt Street in Buffalo. Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

All of the organizations listed above encourage volunteers to sign up as well.

You can find further resources and how you can help here.