eligibility

Operations Support (OS) grants are based not only on need, but also on eligibility. FeedMore WNY membership is not required to submit at Operations Support application. The following checklist will ensure that your agency is eligible to apply for Operations Support funding.

• Agency must be an established emergency feeding relief organization (food pantry, soup kitchen, shelter, or youth snack program) which has been in operation for at least six (6) consecutive months.
• Agency site must be headquartered and operate in FeedMore WNY’s designated service area of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, or Niagara counties.
• Have a 501(c)3 status or be sponsored by a 501(c)3. Sites that are members of this food bank have already met this requirement. Non-members of FeedMore WNY must attach a copy of their organization’s 501(c)3.
• Food Pantries ONLY: Must be open a minimum of four (4) hours per week.
• Soup Kitchens ONLY: Must attach a current copy of your DOH Food Service Permit or completed DOH Food Service Permit application.

The following organizations are not eligible to apply for Operations Support:

• For-profit organizations.
• Organizations that only distribute USDA Commodity (TEFAP) foods.
• Organizations that do not provide food commodities at no cost to individuals in need of short-term hunger relief.
• Emergency food relief organizations with existing direct New York State Department of Health contracts.

funding categories

Operations Support awards provide funding to agencies currently providing emergency food to low income and/or food insecure New Yorkers. Submission of an Operations Support application does not guarantee that your funding request(s) will be granted – you may get your full request, a partial sum, or be declined. Operations Support funding is designed to supplement an organization’s current operating funds; funds may not be used as start-up costs for new activities or new staff positions. Agencies may request up to $4,000 in total or up to $6,000 if you are requesting food service equipment.

Funding is awarded for one or a combination of the following seven (7) expenditure categories: staff, utilities, space, food service disposables and other supplies, transportation, food service equipment, pest control.

application submission

The 2024-2025 Operations Support grant applications are now available and can be downloaded below. Applications are due Friday, May 24.

Shelter Youth Program Application

Food Pantry Application

Dining Site Application

awarded agencies

For those awarded 2023-2024 Operations Support funding, proof of expenses are due to Shawn Schlifke by June 1, 2024.

Click here to download the cover sheets that must be included with your expenditure documentation. Only submit the cover sheets and expenditure documentation that you were awarded funding for.

Documentation may be emailed to sschlifke@feedmorewny.org or mailed to Shawn Schlifke, FeedMore WNY, 91 Holt Street, Buffalo, NY 14206.