The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops announced that the organization donated $2,500 to the Food Bank of WNY through the "Food 2 Families" food and fund drive sponsored in part by Tops Friendly Markets. This donation was made possible thanks to the Taste of Buffalo participating restaurants and the purchases of festivalgoers at the event last July.
"The Taste of Buffalo has been a proud supporter of the Food Bank of WNY and its critically important 'Food 2 Families' event, which distributes the groceries that stock the pantries of those in need across Western New York during the holiday season," 2018 Taste Chairman Rich McDermott said. "As a nonprofit, our mission at the Taste is not only to host a summertime event that highlights so many local restaurants, but also to give back to the communities those restaurants serve all year long."
In addition to charitable donations made by the outgoing chair each year after all expenses are paid, the Taste partners with select nonprofits to staff ticket and beverage tents with volunteers in return for a donation. The festival also offers five annual $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors pursuing a culinary or hospitality-related degree. The Taste has donated more than $500,000 back to the community to date.
The Food Bank of WNY distributes nutritious food and support throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties, assisting as many as 139,780 individuals through 317 agencies and programs, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, snack programs, camps and child and adult day cares.
About Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops
The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is the nation's largest two-day food festival, attracting more than 450,000 visitors each year. The 36th annual Taste will take place on July 13 and 14, 2019, along Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo. The Taste is a not-for-profit organization with more than 1,000 volunteers helping to put on the annual event. For more information, visit
tasteofbuffalo.com.
