Niagara University's mission committee & Levesque Institute partner to collect donations for local agencies

Food access needs in Niagara Falls have tripled over the past month due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in ZIP codes such as 14301, which is designated as a food desert.

In keeping with the spirit of its Catholic and Vincentian mission, Niagara University’s Levesque Institute and mission committee have partnered to organize a donation drive to benefit several local community partners who work to meet the needs of those facing food insecurity. Monetary donations will be collected for distribution to Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier Inc.; Heart, Love & Soul Inc.; and the Magdalene Project of Niagara Falls.

“The COVID-19 crisis is having a deep impact on those living in poverty, and is putting additional pressures on the food pantries and soup kitchens of Niagara Falls,” said Stefanie Wichhart, faculty mission director. “Our Vincentian mission calls us to assist the most vulnerable members of our community, to not only meet their immediate needs, but also to use the resources and expertise of the university to address the systemic causes of poverty and inequality.”

Niagara University’s students, faculty and staff have a long history of volunteering with organizations that address food insecurity. Although the current social distancing restrictions have limited opportunities for them to volunteer in person, donation drives such as this one enables them to continue their support of these crucial organizations and the important work that they do.

To support this effort, visit https://tinyurl.com/nudonations click the donation button, enter an amount, and select the “COVID-19 Community Assistance Fund” in the drop-down menu.

 The Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. Institute for Civic Engagement promotes among all members of the university community the knowledge, values and skills necessary for lifelong engagement in the pursuit of social justice. The involvement of Niagara University in service and social change relates to its mission, which urges solidarity with and personal responsibility for insuring the dignity of the human person, especially the poor and marginalized.