Annual 'Operation: Rock Out Hunger' to raise awareness & donations for those experiencing food insecurity

Weeklong drive runs Nov. 19-26

FeedMore WNY Press Release and Photo

The 19th annual “Operation: Rock Out Hunger” will collect critical donations of food, funds and frozen turkeys to help food-insecure neighbors during the holidays. From 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, through 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, “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 incredible to see the community come out year after year to support this absolutely critical food and fund drive for FeedMore WNY. We are called a city and community of good neighbors, and I know that Western New Yorkers will once again answer the call to help fight food insecurity this holiday season,” said DJ Jickster, on-air personality and director of special events for 97 Rock. “It really is an honor to be able to participate in this drive, and I feel fortunate to be supported by my employer, my coworkers, the sponsors and, of course, all the listeners who make ‘Rock Out Hunger’ possible.”

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. 15 through Nov. 12.

“We are proud to be in our seventh year of hosting ‘Rock Out Hunger’ at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, and proud of the 10,000-plus members of the Kaleida Health team for embracing this initiative year after year to support our community,” said Don Boyd, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “Their commitment and generosity are 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.’ ”

WKBW Station Manager LeAnne Markins said, “No one in Western New York should go hungry, yet for many, food insecurity is a daily struggle. This Thanksgiving, let’s remember we all have the power to help. 7WKBW is proud to partner with FeedMore WNY, which provided over 16 million meals in 2023 alone. From local food pantries to meal deliveries, the work that FeedMore WNY does truly embodies our city's motto as ‘The City of Good Neighbors.’ ”

FeedMore WNY President and CEO Tara A. Ellis said, “The holiday season is a time to share meals and treasured traditions with our loved ones. Yet, tragically, tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers are facing food insecurity and may not know where their next meal will come from. Events like ‘Rock Out Hunger’ make it possible for FeedMore WNY to nourish children, families, older adults and veterans throughout Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counites during the holidays and throughout the year. We thank DJ Jickster and our partners at ‘97 Rock,’ 7WKBW and Kaleida Health, as well as the entire WNY community, for continuing to make this vital drive possible.”

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. Please 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/.