Citing recent 30% rise in need, Foodlink speaks out against HPNAP cuts

Foodlink’s advocacy committee last week submitted the following written testimony to the New York State Legislature at the 2023 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing for the Department of Health: SIGN THE PETITION: Tell Gov. Hochul to fully fund anti-hunger programs *** Foodlink welcomes the opportunity to deliver written testimony in support of the Hunger Prevention and […]

Foodlink submits public comment on proposed changes to WIC

On Feb. 21, Foodlink submitted a public comment during the federal government’s rulemaking process concerning revisions made to the food packages for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) federal nutrition program. The proposed rule aims to promote food security and food equity, while allowing greater flexibility that accommodate participants’ dietary needs and cultural food preferences. […]

Highlights from Foodlink’s ‘Nourishing Lives’ special

Foodlink held its annual “Nourishing Lives” fundraising special on Feb. 15, in partnership with presenting sponsor Wegmans and News 8 WROC-TV. The televised fundraiser helps shine a light on Foodlink’s current operations, including a behind-the-scenes look at the many programs and services we offer beyond our role as the regional food bank. Below, check out […]

SNAP ‘Emergency Allotments’ expiring, reducing benefits for thousands locally

Supplemental Emergency Allotments (EA) of SNAP benefits, which have been issued since April 2020 to help households during the COVID pandemic, will be eliminated after February due to the passage of new federal legislation.   Starting in March, SNAP recipients will get only one allocation per month – their normal benefit. The elimination of supplemental benefits […]

Foodlink supports Healthy School Meals For All NY Kids campaign

Foodlink is one of hundreds of organizations around the state — a diverse coalition of anti-hunger, education, food, nutrition, health, and equity-focused organizations and associations — to support a policy proposal that would establish and fund a statewide, permanent Healthy School Meals for All (HSMFA) program. READ: A 2-page snapshot of the policy proposal Foodlink […]

Remembering Edgar

Foodlink’s heart breaks today to learn of the passing of our Community Farm Manager, Edgar Santa Cruz. Edgar joined Foodlink this fall with a passion for engaging with and serving the community, and was eager to help lead the ongoing transformation of the Foodlink Community Farm. His first major project was coordinating a series of […]

Where to find free holiday meals in Rochester

The following list shows the dates and times when Foodlink members (community meal programs within our 10-county service area) are providing free holiday meals between Dec. 12 and Dec. 26. Meals are either held in a sit-down environment, or grab-and-go. All are first come, first served unless otherwise noted. Monday, Dec. 12 Covenant Table (1124 […]

New study: Food hardship up 35% in New York State, 30% Nationwide

The number of people without enough food over one seven-day period spiked by 35 percent in New York State, and 30 percent nationwide between October of 2021 and October of 2022, according to a report by the nonprofit group Hunger Free America, based on an analysis of federal data. The report was released Wednesday at […]

Where to find free holiday meals around Thanksgiving time in the Rochester area

  The following list provides dates and times that Foodlink members (Rochester-area community meal programs) are providing a free holiday meal for people between Nov. 17 and Nov. 24. Meals are either held in a sit-down environment, or are grab & go.   Thursday, Nov. 17 Central Church of Christ (101 S. Plymouth) — 11 […]

White House hosts long-awaited conference on hunger

Anti-hunger advocates celebrated the long-awaited return of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition & Health on Wednesday — the first such conference in more than 50 years. The previous conference that took place in 1969 saw major policy changes and legislation that directly impacted or launched federal nutrition progams, such as SNAP, WIC, school […]