10 FAQs About Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign

Olean Food Pantry announced our $1 Million Fundraising Campaign with much excitement almost one full month ago. BIG figures aren’t thrown around too often in this area’s nonprofit community – at least not with volunteer-run organizations like ours. 

Having seen a 95.4% increase in food pantry clients the last three years, we knew the time had come to make a BIG push for the financial support and resources OFP needs to fight hunger at the source. The local and regional media quickly embraced the energy, providing a welcome public relations splash to promote the cause and raise awareness for severe community need. 

Since that initial announcement, we’ve received numerous questions about the fundraising campaign. We’ve addressed some of them here. 

Q: What is the Goal of OFP’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign?

A: 10 Years of Stocked Shelves

The goal of the $1 Million Fundraising Campaign is to create a future where fewer people must rely on food pantries. But that day isn’t here yet. To get there, we must attend to current hunger needs while building the capacity to solve systemic issues that cause food insecurity.  Anticipating a 3% increase year-over-year in food purchases due to inflation, we would need $1 million to stock our shelves for the next 10 years. 

Q: How Would 10 Years of Stocked Shelves Solve Systemic Hunger Issues?

A: Shifting Focus & Aligning Priorities

Stocking shelves for the next decade will alleviate the near-constant burden of securing food and supplies for the next distribution day. In turn, OFP will devote resources to form collaborations, build programs, provide education and direct pantry visitors to other resources addressing root causes of hunger. 

Q: Why Do Cash Donations Make a Bigger Difference?

A: Cash Donations Purchase 66% MORE Food

While donations of food and household supplies are welcome, they don’t go as far as cash donations. Thanks to preferred nonprofit rates, Olean Food Pantry can actually purchase 66% MORE food with cash than we can acquire through nonperishable donations alone. That means a $10 donation ultimately purchases $16.60 worth of food.

That said, donations of every size plays a vital role in combating food insecurity and promoting community resilience. How do you donate to the Olean Food Pantry $1 Million Fundraising Campaign? Click here to get started!

Q: What are the Root Causes of Hunger in Western New York?

A: Poverty & Lacking Resources

Poverty is a root cause of hunger, but that alone doesn’t fully explain its dramatic increase in our communities. Poverty creates a cycle of financial hardship that makes it difficult for individuals to afford nutritious food consistently. 

Limited access to resources such as transportation, affordable housing and job-placement services leaves individuals and families without easy solutions. Additionally, lacking education about nutrition and healthy eating leads to poor health outcomes that make emerging from food insecurity more difficult.

Q: What Community Partnerships Will Emerge from this Campaign?

A: A Network of Poverty-Related Services

Despite best efforts today, too many community resources in Western New York operate in silos. That creates an environment in which people access one resource while lacking awareness for others. 

We treasure our current partnerships with organizations like FeedMore WNY and Canticle Farm, as well as local farmers and grocers. With greater funding, we can invest more in building a network of support with other food providers, poverty-related services, workplace training organizations, and other resources for physical and mental health. Collaborations will facilitate access to an array of services addressing not just hunger but other underlying issues.

Q: Where Will Funding for this Campaign Come From?

A: Diverse Revenue Sources

We’re strategically tapping four revenue streams to ensure a well-rounded funding approach: 

• Major gift donors ($450,000)
• Grants ($450,000)
• Corporate sponsorships ($50,000)
• Individual donations ($50,000)

Spreading our fundraising efforts across various channels maximizes support and minimizes the burden on any single source. It creates more chances for big and small wins in the fight against food insecurity.

Q: How Will this OFP Fundraiser Build Community Resilience?

A: Neighbors Helping Neighbors 

By securing resources for the next 10 years, we’re laying the groundwork for a more resilient future by taking ownership of the local hunger issue – as it’s uniquely experienced here. After so many decades serving our friends and neighbors, it’s clear that top-down approaches will not win the War on Hunger. 

Solutions must be driven locally by people who know and understand distinct community needs. This grassroots effort paves the way for community-driven hunger solutions on a national scale. 

Q: What Innovative Solutions Will Be Implemented?

A: We Can Do More Than Provide Food

For years, Olean Food Pantry’s mission has been to provide food for people in need. While serving record numbers of people today might seem like a win, service itself isn’t addressing the reasons people seek our help. Our vision is for people not to be hungry in the first place – ironically enough, a world where OFP doesn’t NEED to exist. 

Our fundraiser will enable us to expand beyond traditional food distribution and drive innovative solutions for those in need. By building collaborations and facilitating access to resources like mental health counseling, employment assistance and financial literacy programs, we can address the underlying causes of hunger and empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.

Q: Who are the People Affected by Hunger in Western New York?

A: Diverse Individuals Facing Various Challenges

Hunger in Western New York doesn’t fit a stereotypical image of poverty. It affects a diverse range of individuals, including those who have recently lost their jobs, single parents struggling to make ends meet, individuals in addiction recovery, and others who find themselves in unexpected circumstances. 

It’s crucial to recognize that hunger can impact anyone, regardless of their background. Approximately 40% of Americans are one missed paycheck from becoming food insecure. This fundraising campaign gives us the financial firepower not only to serve these individuals today, but to develop a more comprehensive understanding of their plight to improve resources tomorrow.

Q: How Do Corporate Sponsorships Benefit the Campaign?

A: Corporate Responsibility & Spreading Awareness

Our local businesses and organizations already do heroic work in our communities by providing employment for the masses. We understand the business climate doesn’t leave much for corporate charity. That said, we invite the business community to give in corporate sponsorship to help cover a sizable $50,000 chunk of our $1 Million Fundraising Campaign.

Just as importantly, business participation helps generate buzz around the mission while demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility. To inquire about corporate sponsorships, email oleanfoodpantry@yahoo.com.