Where to Get Healthy Groceries for Free: Food Assistance in WNY

Olean Food Pantry has been in existence for more than 70 years. The mission has always been the same: to provide food assistance in Western New York. People in need wondering where to get groceries for free here in the Olean, NY area haven’t had to look too far since many of our own grandparents and even great-grandparents volunteered to run this nonprofit rural food pantry decades ago. 

The Western New York of yesteryear was a land of economic opportunity, bolstered by a great oil and manufacturing boom. Today we face an era of inflation and rising grocery prices, growing economic inequality, and ever-dwindling job opportunities. For more than 27,000 people who visit OFP each year – from all walks of life – it’s seemingly impossible to make ends meet anymore. 

Access to healthy groceries should never be a privilege. If we can provide them for free to eligible families – which we do – all the better!

(Related reading: What You Didn’t Know About Hunger in Western New York.)

We believe access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right. That goes not just for those in crisis, but for any individual or family working hard to make ends meet. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to meet families in need where they are by offering free, healthy groceries to people across Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.

Food Assistance in WNY: Free Healthy Groceries in Olean, NY

At our pantry on Leo Moss Drive in Olean, NY, we provide free groceries to nearly 30,000 people each year. The need is still growing. If you or someone you know is seeking food assistance in WNY, we offer:

• Dairy, protein & canned goods
• Fresh produce sourced locally
• Pantry staples like rice, pasta, beans & cereal
• Personal care & hygiene products
• Baby supplies

We ask only that visitors self-report financial need and household size so we can serve effectively and meet reporting requirements.

We’ve learned a lot through the years. One of the key lessons is that there will ALWAYS be people who need food assistance. It’s true in both good times and bad – whether the economic climate is confident or in recession.

Why?

Because food insecurity isn’t tied to financial strife alone. While the leading cause of hunger in America is indeed low income, numerous other factors contribute including mental health, unexpected layoffs, justice involvement and more.

Fresh Produce Partnerships & Nutrition Support

One of the things that sets Olean Food Pantry apart is our commitment to health and wellness — not just hunger relief. This helps families build meals that nourish the body and the mind.

We work with regional farms, food distributors and local grocers to source fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. We also host an on-site Community Garden, which provides more than a ton of produce each year for the pantry while also empowering clients to grow their own. 

We further offer nutrition guidance and support, including:

• Easy, affordable recipe ideas.
• Information on how to store & prepare unfamiliar foods.
• Tips for feeding children healthy meals on a tight budget.
• & More.

Sometimes, the biggest barrier to healthy eating isn’t just lacking access. It’s confidence, so we proudly offer tools to help families thrive.

Empowering Families with Dignity: The Shopper’s Choice Model

Our Shopper’s Choice food distribution model is designed to restore dignity and control to those navigating food insecurity. Instead of receiving a pre-packed box of items that may or may not suit their needs, our clients are invited to shop as they would at a grocery store. 

Clients can choose the items that best suit their families’ dietary, cultural and personal preferences. Choice matters, whether it’s a parent brainstorming well-balanced meals for their children or a senior citizen on a medically restricted diet.

This empowers people, encourages healthy decisions and allows for autonomy in a world where financial stress often strips that away.

And yes, once again, it’s all completely free!

Mobile Outreach Across Rural Western New York

Food insecurity looks different in rural communities like ours. Distance, limited transportation and relative social isolation can hinder access to healthy food — especially for seniors, people with disabilities and those without a vehicle.

To meet this challenge head-on, we’ve partnered with FeedMore WNY to provide the Mobile Food Pantry on the last Thursday each month.

Where to Get Healthy Groceries for Free: How You Can Help

Our ability to meet people where they are depends on a deeply committed volunteer team and the generosity of supporters. If you believe everyone deserves healthy groceries — not just processed scraps or shelf-stable leftovers — here’s how you can make a difference:

• Donate: Monetary donations stretch further than food donations, allowing us to purchase exactly what’s needed at wholesale rates. Give at oleanfoodpantry.org/donate.
• Volunteer: We are an all-volunteer-run organization. Every hour you give helps feed someone in need.
• Spread the Word: Let your neighbors know we’re here. The power of community advocacy is immense. No one should suffer in silence.

At Olean Food Pantry, you can get healthy groceries for free in Olean, NY. If you’re seeking food assistance in WNY, OFP is here for you. With compassion, dignity and a commitment to wellness, we’ll meet you where you are — and walk with you toward a healthier future.