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FeedMore WNY expanding into Niagara County

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Wed, Jan 8th 2020 10:05 am

FeedMore WNY completes merger, debuts new brand, expands services in 2020

FeedMore WNY kicked off the new year with notable developments, as the nonprofit continues to grow and enhance its services and partnerships that fight hunger and nourish vulnerable community members of all ages.

On Jan. 1 – 10 months after the Food Bank of Western New York and Meals on Wheels for Western New York announced they were joining forces – FeedMore WNY became an officially merged organization operating under a unified set of policies, procedures and financials. The New York state attorney general approved the merger effective Dec. 31, 2019.

In conjunction with the merger, FeedMore WNY is marking the new year with a new look: The nonprofit organization has begun to roll out its new brand identity, including a fresh logo and color scheme. FeedMore WNY’s new tagline, “more food. more good.” embodies its mission of offering dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need.

Along with its new brand, FeedMore WNY is debuting its integrated social media accounts. The nonprofit encourages the community to stay up-to-date with the organization by following FeedMore WNY (@feedmorewny) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter for our organization,” said Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY. “Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank came together in February 2019 in order to better serve our hungry neighbors and fill unmet needs in our community. Since the announcement of our alliance, we have made significant progress in growing our programs and adding additional services to help ensure that no one goes hungry in Western New York. We are pleased to begin the new year as a fully merged entity with a unified brand identity, and we look forward to building upon the many initiatives we envision to provide more food and more good to our neighbors in need.”

One of the ways FeedMore WNY is providing more food and more good in 2020 and beyond is through a significant expansion to its home-delivered meal program. Beginning Monday, Jan. 27, FeedMore WNY will expand its home-delivered meal services to approximately 500 clients throughout Niagara County. FeedMore WNY first began home-delivered meal services in Niagara County for approximately 50 Lockport residents last October, when it took over services for the former Lockport Meals on Wheels.

After an RFP process, Niagara County has requested this increase in service area to ensure its older community members’ needs are being met and that they continue to receive healthy meals and a friendly visit each day. FeedMore WNY is working closely with the Niagara County Office for the Aging to ensure a seamless transition in service.

It is important to note:

•Participants do not need to re-register; meal service for current participants will continue seamlessly.

•FeedMore WNY’s home-delivered meal program offers six therapeutic diets to fit the diverse needs of its clients. The diets include a regular, low-fat, low-sodium option; a renal diet; a bland diet; a calorie-controlled diet designed to help people living with diabetes; a ground diet; and an avoiding gluten diet. Participants who receive a special diet today will receive the same diet after the transition. FeedMore WNY’s team of registered dieticians works closely with clients to ensure their dietary needs are being met.

•FeedMore WNY provides a daily well-being check with volunteers reporting concerns to the social work department, which then works with caregivers and emergency personnel as needed to help ensure safety.

•Niagara County’s home-delivered meal clients will receive additional benefits, including access to FeedMore WNY’s angel card and birthday gift programs, as well as its AniMeals program for clients with pet companions.

“We are pleased to take this wonderful step forward with FeedMore WNY. It is paramount that our homebound neighbors continue to receive the nourishment and support that they need so they can age in place with dignity. We are confident that Niagara County residents will greatly benefit from FeedMore WNY’s home-delivered meal program,” said Darlene DiCarlo, director for the Niagara County Office for the Aging.

As FeedMore WNY continues to grow its services and feed more underserved community members, the nonprofit is in need of volunteers to fulfill its mission. In addition to volunteers for its home-delivered meal programs in Niagara and Erie counties, FeedMore WNY is seeking volunteers to sort and pack food donations in its warehouse, assist with reception and administrative duties, and support its special events. Those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities – including how an organization can “Adopt A Route” to support the home-delivered meal program – are welcome to contact Catherine Shick, FeedMore WNY communications director, at 716-852-1305, ext. 3092, or email [email protected].

About FeedMore WNY

FeedMore WNY offers dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need. Through its distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivered meal services and other targeted feeding programs, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. More information can be found at www.feedmorewny.org.

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