FeedMore WNY to lose $3.5M worth of food after federal funding canceled

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — FeedMore WNY is facing a multi-million dollar loss of food after a Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) program, a main federal funding source for FeedMore, was terminated, the organization announced Wednesday.

The United States Department of Agriculture said $500 million worth of food purchases for The Emergency Food Assistance Program funded by CCC was “permanently canceled.”

FeedMore WNY said it will lose over $3.5 million worth of food due to the cancelation.

The organization said between May and August 2025, 12 pending orders from CCC, which would include chicken, turkey, pork, cheese and eggs, have been canceled. The orders accounted for 13 percent of the total amount of food FeedMore distributed in 2024, according to Catherine Shick, FeedMore WNY’s public relations manager.

“This is a significant funding cut for FeedMore Western New York and it’s coming at a time when we know there is increased demand for food assistance in our community,” Shick said. “We know about 2.1 million pounds of food that we distributed last year came from the funding for food purchases through CCC.”

Shick also explained the truckloads are a huge loss to the community because items such as poultry and dairy are considered “high value.”

“It’s a little tricky to make up those type of food items to go out to our agencies because that is something that is difficult for the general public to donate,” Shick said. “It is much more difficult for us to accept donations of items like poultry and dairy products unless it’s coming from a food industry partner.”

The organization said there was a 46 percent increase since 2021 in the number of people it serves across Western New York, with last year’s numbers totaling 165,722.

“FeedMore WNY is deeply disappointed to learn of the cancelation of food purchases funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation,” Collin Bishop, FeedMore WNY’s chief communications officer said in a statement. “These additional funds did not simply help us during the pandemic; they have been essential as we serve an increasing number of people who are food insecure.”

Shick also expects food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to not have access to quality food as often as they normally do.

“To have these programs end at a time when we know the cost of living remains incredibly high is disappointing,” Shick said. “Many hardworking families are going to be struggling to make ends meet.”

Shick said FeedMore’s services are not going away and it will continue to provide food and support to the community.

Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon said in a statement that he is “deeply concerned” by the funding loss.

“The impact of this funding cut will be felt throughout Buffalo and the entire region,” he said. “FeedMore WNY has been a cornerstone in addressing food insecurity, and I offer my support as they work to overcome this setback and keep serving those who rely on them.”