Food Bank of Western New York awarded maximum 4-star rating from Charity Navigator

The Food Bank of Western New York's sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have once again earned the organization a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator.

Charity Navigator helps guide "intelligent giving" by evaluating the financial health, accountability and transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Since 2002, using objective, data-driven analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a four-star rating.

"The Food Bank of WNY's coveted four-star rating puts it in a very select group of high-performing charities," said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. "Out of the thousands of nonprofits Charity Navigator evaluates, only one out of four earns four stars - a rating that demands rigor, responsibility and commitment to openness.

"The Food Bank of WNY's supporters should feel much more confident that their hard-earned dollars are being used efficiently and responsibly when it acquires such a high rating."

As the Food Bank of WNY continues its mission of providing nutritious food and support to the hungry in Western New York, it is proud to report that 94.6 percent of its organizational expenditures are allocated to programs and services.

"As we continue to rely on the generosity of the community to help us fight hunger one day at a time, it is important that our valued donors know that we use their donations wisely," said Marylou Borowiak, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Western New York. "This top rating is a testament to the leadership of our board of directors and the efforts of our dedicated staff."

The Food Bank of WNY is the primary hunger-relief organization in Western New York, obtaining and distributing food to 329 member agencies, including food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, youth programs and senior centers in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Through these agencies, the Food Bank of WNY serves as many as 129,322 individuals in any given month, including more than 44,000 families, 45,000 children and nearly 17,000 seniors. For more information, visit www.foodbankwny.org.