How Many People Does the Olean Food Pantry Serve?
The Olean Food Pantry combats food insecurity and provides a lifeline to local families in need. How many people does the Olean Food Pantry serve? Let’s have a look at some recent stats. From January 2022 through September 2023, Olean Food Pantry served 39,111 people between Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.
That’s an average of 1,862 per month! By that figure, it’s easy to estimate that Olean Food Pantry serves over 1,000 households experiencing food insecurity each month. A combination of return and new clients seek resources for themselves and loved ones including a vast selection of nutritious food and other services.
The individuals and families families served are primarily from Allegany County and Cattaraugus County in southwestern New York. Roughly 84% of our total clientele come from Cattaraugus County. The Olean Food Pantry also has traditionally seen clients from neighboring Steuben, Chautauqua and Erie counties in New York, as well as McKean and Potter counties in Pennsylvania.
Olean Food Pantry Fights Hunger in Our Communities
In a recent blog post, we analyzed the meteoric rise of food insecurity in America. To our communities here in the northernmost tip of Appalachia – the poorest region of the U.S. – the hunger reality is that much more profound.
The last 3 years, the Olean Food Pantry has seen a 95.4% increase in people served. In general, 1 in 7 people experience food insecurity in America. The spike in need began with the Covid pandemic and continues today due to a rough economy. The increased need shows no sign of slowing. (It’s worth noting that OFP still serves hundreds of people each month even in a good economy.)
While we strive mightily in the war on food insecurity, the need is much greater than any one organization or individual can solve alone. That’s why we urge community members and prospective donors to contribute in any way they can. That also involves donating and volunteering at other worthy community organizations that serve families in need in other ways.
It takes a village!
What You Need To Know About the Olean Food Pantry
Our commitment shines through a remarkable initiative in which we distribute six days’ worth of food per person. That equates to 18 meals per person. We do this for hundreds of families every month.
We also ensure families are able to receive well-balanced and nutritious items via:
- Healthy produce grown on-site
- Partnerships with local farmers & grocers
- Work with local nonprofits
- “Shopper’s choice” grocery-style food selection
- Volunteer assistants guiding healthy choices & recipes
The pantry is open 2 days a week: each Monday 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm and Friday 10 am to 2 pm. During these days, the pantry becomes a hub of support for people in need.
We also have a Mobile Food Pantry truck each month that delivers fresh produce and perishable items directly to our communities. The Mobile Food Pantry is held the last Thursday of each month. This ensures people who can’t make it directly to our main location (8 Leo Moss Drive, Olean) still receive the same opportunity to receive food.
Olean Food Pantry: Who Is Eligible to be Served?
Olean Food Pantry – in partnership with FeedMore WNY and the USDA – now serves individuals and families who live in Cattaraugus, Allegany, Erie, and Niagara counties in Western New York. Although, no one in need will be turned away. OFP stands as an ally uniting communities and serving people who need easier access to their next meal.
For any questions, contact us here.
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July 8, 2024 @ 5:35 pm
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