BUFFALO, N.Y. — More than 38 million people, including 11 million children experienced food insecurity in 2020. That's according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This year is no different, and as the giving season is beginning, helping those in need is so very important.
That is why 2 On Your Side teamed up with Tops Friendly Markets and Townsquare Media Friday for the 17th annual Food 2 Families Food Drive. The donations collected will benefit food pantries across Western New York. Food banks say the need is up more than 40%.
Thanks to the generosity of WNYers, $155,200 was raised and tons of food collected to help individuals and families in need.
"The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for our food insecure neighbors," said Tara A. Ellis, FeedMore WNY president and CEO. "The Food 2 Families drive allows FeedMore WNY to provide nutritious food for our hungry community members throughout the holidays and into the new year. We thank Tops Friendly Markets, Townsquare Media, and WGRZ-TV for their steadfast support and for continuing to make this event possible. We encourage the community to participate in this wonderful opportunity to help feed our neighbors in need."
The Food 2 Families campaign began on Nov. 14 and runs through Dec. 24. The goal is to provide more than 2.5 million meals in our community.
2 On Your Side is a proud sponsor of the food drive, and was on hand to help collect donations at the Depew Tops location at 4777 Transit Road.
If you couldn't make it out Friday, you can donate in other ways through Dec. 24.
Customers can purchase a Little Brown Bag of Hope paper icon at the register anytime they shop at Tops Friendly Markets. Customers can choose a $5, $10, and/or $20 bag that will go to WNY family in need. The Little Brown Bags are filled with items that will help families extend their meal planning.
Little Brown Bags which are filled with nutritious items that will help families extend their meal planning, can also be purchased at any self-scan register as well.
Customers can also round up their change when they check out.