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Regional Food Bank expands Thanksgiving meal distribution

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 4:02 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13
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Regional Food Bank Expands Thanksgiving Meal Distribution to Reach More Families Amid Rising Hunger

In a bold effort to counter the growing food insecurity that has plagued the Western New York region, the Regional Food Bank (RFB) announced this week that it will significantly expand its Thanksgiving meal distribution program. The announcement, made during a press briefing on Sunday evening, highlighted the bank’s plans to serve an additional 12,000 meals to families across the Buffalo–Erie area, bringing the total distribution to nearly 30,000 meals for the holiday season.

Scaling Up in Response to Surge in Demand

RFB officials said that the decision to expand stems from a sharp uptick in demand for emergency food assistance over the past months. “We’ve seen a 45 percent increase in the number of families reaching out for help since the start of the year,” said RFB Executive Director Laura Mitchell in the briefing. “The pandemic and recent inflationary pressures have made it harder for many to put a full meal on the table during Thanksgiving.”

To meet this surge, RFB will open three new distribution sites in the suburbs of Tonawanda, Cheektowaga and West Seneca. These sites will operate in partnership with local churches, community centers and volunteer organizations, allowing families to collect prepared meals or meal kits in a safe and efficient manner. The bank also plans to extend its existing distribution schedule by adding weekend slots and an additional early‑morning shift on Thanksgiving Day itself.

New Partnerships and Volunteer Mobilization

A key component of the expansion is a new partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, which will host a distribution hub at St. Agnes Parish in Buffalo’s Northside. The diocese has agreed to provide a spacious basement kitchen and storage space that will be critical to storing and packaging the increased volume of meals.

RFB’s volunteer program, which has grown to over 1,500 volunteers in the past year, will see a 30 percent increase in recruiting drives. Volunteers will be responsible for tasks ranging from meal preparation to front‑door distribution and inventory management. The bank’s volunteer coordinator, James Ramirez, stressed the importance of community involvement: “These volunteers are the backbone of our operation. With more hands on deck, we can guarantee that no family goes without a hot meal.”

Expanding the Reach of the “Meals for All” Initiative

The bank’s flagship “Meals for All” program—designed to provide a free, wholesome Thanksgiving meal to every family regardless of income—will now also offer a supplementary “Meal Kit” option for families who prefer to prepare their own dishes. The kits will contain staple items such as pre‑measured dry goods, canned vegetables, and a small selection of protein options. This dual‑approach will accommodate different preferences and dietary needs.

“Many families appreciate having the flexibility to cook at home,” explained RFB Nutritionist Dr. Priya Patel. “By providing kits alongside ready‑to‑serve meals, we’re ensuring that everyone can celebrate in a way that feels most comfortable and sustainable.”

Funding the Expansion

The financial backbone of this expansion will come from a combination of individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and a new grant from the state’s Department of Agriculture. RFB received a $500,000 grant from the state in early October, earmarked specifically for holiday meal distribution. Additionally, local businesses such as the Buffalo Bisons, The Rochester Public Market, and several regional grocery chains have pledged in-kind donations, including fresh produce, canned goods, and volunteer hours.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of the community,” said Mitchell. “Without the contributions of our donors and volunteers, this expansion would not be possible.”

Addressing the Root Causes of Food Insecurity

While the RFB’s immediate focus is on delivering meals, the organization also aims to use the holiday season as a platform to raise awareness about the long‑term challenges of food insecurity. The bank will host a series of educational workshops and seminars at the new distribution sites, covering topics such as budgeting, nutrition, and local food assistance resources.

“We want to empower families with the knowledge and tools to make healthier choices year‑round,” said Dr. Patel. “By partnering with local schools and health clinics, we can extend our reach far beyond the holiday.”

Community Impact and Future Outlook

Since its inception in 1988, the Regional Food Bank has served more than 1.5 million people annually. The current expansion will allow the bank to reach an estimated 25,000 additional individuals, a substantial increase from the 18,000 who benefited from the previous Thanksgiving distribution.

Local residents have expressed optimism about the new initiative. “It’s heartening to see the food bank stepping up during these uncertain times,” said Maria Gonzales, a mother of three from Cheektowaga. “Knowing that there’s a reliable source of warm food on Thanksgiving gives our family a lot of peace of mind.”

The RFB has set its sights on further expansion in the coming months. Plans are already underway to incorporate mobile distribution trucks that can reach more remote areas, and to extend the “Meals for All” program into the fall months. In an era of economic uncertainty, the Regional Food Bank’s expanded Thanksgiving meal distribution stands as a testament to community resilience and the power of coordinated philanthropy to address pressing social needs.