BUFFALO, N.Y. — A local nonprofit just got a huge boost. FeedMore WNY, a local organization that works to fight food insecurity, will receive three million dollars from Erie County to go towards a brand-new facility.
"I am proud that as of today Erie County is contributing 3 million dollars to this project to help move it along and get it closer to the finish line," said Mark Polancarz, Erie County Executive.
Polancarz stood with FeedMore WNY representatives in the Buffalo Warehouse location to announce the new funding.
"The future home of FeedMore will be a 197,900 sq ft facility located in Hamburg and why Hamburg because it's the geo-center of our service area."
The new facility is being built to fill a need - and so the group can expand. They say current facilities are too small and far beyond expansion.
"Unfortunately hunger, social isolation, and joblessness didn't get the memo on our space problems so while our space has run out the need for help is growing and growing," said Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY.
Construction of the new building is in its early stages.
"The building nearly doubles our warehouse space, it increases our commissary, so we can serve more prepared meals to the seniors we're already serving and add meals for children and other adults that need our help," said Ellis.
The three million dollar contribution adds on to a total of 79 million dollars raised. FeedMore says it still needs 28 million dollars more to finish it and open in two years.
And now Erie County is calling on others to pitch in...
"Not to pressure our fellow Western New York counties, but Erie County has come through, and I'd like our other counties to consider making a sizable donation," said Polancarz.