HAMBURG, N.Y. — FeedMore WNY is seeking $99.8 million to turn a field of shrubs into its future home.
In the last year, FeedMore WNY was able to serve over 140,000 in the region — but the need for its services is rapidly growing, according to Catherine Shick, who works with the organization.
“The people we serve actually increased by nearly 20% compared to the prior year,” she said.
Because of this, FeedMore has had to rent out or borrow about 30,000 square feet of space just to get by.
“We are in a position where we can not expand or grow our programs without a new facility,” Shick said.
FeedMore WNY is still about $30 million away from its fundraising goal to be able to open a new facility. It would be in Hamburg, double its warehouse space and offer space for food donations and a commercial kitchen. It would be around 197,000 square feet.
To close this gap, FeedMore is hosting fundraising events like one it held Thursday at The Terrace at Delaware Park, offering a drink special all month where proceeds will go toward the new facility.
Additionally, the effort has gained the attention of Washington, with Congressman Nick Langworthy announcing Thursday that part of a new spending bill passed by the House and now on its way to the Senate will include $3 million for FeedMore WNY.
The efforts show that all of Western New York is now joining in to lend a helping hand to an organizaiton that’s always done the same for millions of others
“It just allows us to continue to bring our services to the community,” Shick said.
FeedMore is confident it will reach its goal and hopes to break ground this spring.