18th annual 'Operation: Rock Out Hunger' will raise awareness & donations for community members experiencing food insecurity

Food, fund and turkey drive to benefit FeedMore WNY will run from Nov. 14-21

The 18th annual “Operation: Rock Out Hunger” will collect critical donations of food, funds and frozen turkeys to help food-insecure neighbors during the holidays. From 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, through 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, “97 Rock’s” DJ Jickster will live on a FeedMore WNY trailer at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital’s parking lot, 1540 Maple Road in Williamsville. DJ Jickster will collect funds, nonperishable food items and frozen turkeys to benefit Western New Yorkers who rely on FeedMore WNY.

The drive is a partnership between FeedMore WNY, “97 Rock,” Kaleida Health and WKBW-TV Channel 7.

"It is so incredible to experience the continued support of Western New York as we work together to ‘Rock Out Hunger,’ ” said DJ Jickster, director of marketing and promotions for “97 Rock.” “Every year, I am blown away by the kindness of community members as they drop off donations to help feed their neighbors in need during Thanksgiving and the holiday season. I am looking forward to another great event as we spread awareness on the issue of food insecurity and raise critical donations for FeedMore WNY.”

Kaleida Health and its affiliates across FeedMore WNY’s four-county service area got a jump start on “Rock Out Hunger” by collecting food donations from Oct. 16 through Nov. 10.

“We are proud to be in our sixth year of hosting ‘Rock Out Hunger’ at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and proud of the 10,000 members of the Kaleida Health family for embracing this initiative every year,” said Don Boyd, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “Their commitment to our patients and our community is making a tangible impact across Western New York. Western New York has been there for Kaleida Health and its hospitals for so many years, so we are happy to be able to give back to the community that supports us with events like ‘Rock Out Hunger.’ ”

A press release noted, “The number of people experiencing food insecurity throughout Western New York continues to grow; last year, FeedMore WNY assisted 197,500 individuals throughout Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.”

WKBW Vice President and General Manager Marc Jaromin said, “No one in Western New York should ever have to struggle with food insecurity yet, for many of our neighbors, our seniors and our children, hunger is real. This Thanksgiving season, it’s important to remember that each and every one of us can do something. Once again, 7WKBW is proud to partner with the amazing volunteers and staff of FeedMore WNY. From supporting neighborhood food pantries, to delivering meals every day, FeedMore WNY embodies what it means to live in this ‘City of Good Neighbors.’ ”

FeedMore WNY President and CEO Tara A. Ellis said, “We deeply appreciate DJ Jickster and our partners at ‘97 Rock,’ 7WKBW and Kaleida Health for once again making ‘Rock Out Hunger’ possible. Food insecurity here in Western New York and throughout the nation continues to rise – and we know the holiday season can be an especially stressful time for our neighbors with limited resources. We are grateful for all those who donate food, funds or time through volunteerism at ‘Rock Out Hunger.’ With the support of the Western New York community, we can fulfill our mission of providing dignity, hope and a brighter future to our Western New York neighbors in need.”

In addition to the collection at “Operation: Rock Out Hunger,” donations of food and funds can be dropped off at FeedMore WNY’s distribution warehouse at 91 Holt St., Buffalo, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to noon most Saturdays. Call FeedMore WNY at 716-822-2002 to schedule a Saturday donation drop off. To donate funds online, visit www.feedmorewny.org/rock-out-hunger/.

FeedMore WNY, through its food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivered meal program, other targeted feeding programs and RISE workforce development training, alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. More information is available at www.feedmorewny.org.