ONTARIO COUNTY – With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, many Ontario County families are facing increased uncertainty about how to put food on the table. In response, Ontario Cares (The Partnership for Ontario County) in partnership with Ontario County and Foodlink is calling on community members to support local food pantries so they can meet the growing need. Community support, through donations, volunteerism, and advocacy, is more important than ever.

“When families lose access to essential programs like SNAP, local food pantries become
lifelines,” said Gwen Van Laeken, executive director of Ontario Cares. “Every contribution
directly helps a neighbor in need.”

How the Community Can Help

Donate directly to your nearest food pantry. Monetary donations are best. Financial contributions remain the most efficient way to help, as pantries can purchase three to five times more food through wholesale and regional food bank networks.

Provide shelf-stable, high-quality foods to help pantries offer nutritious, balanced options for
families. Consider donating:

● Shelf-stable proteins such as canned tuna, chicken, or peanut butter
● Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain pasta, or cereals
● Fruits and vegetables: canned or dried fruit in juice (not syrup) and low-sodium vegetables
● Soups and ready-to-eat meals that are hearty and easy to prepare
● Cooking staples such as shelf-stable milk, olive oil, or spices (when accepted)

211 Lifeline

A free, confidential, 24-hour phone, chat, and text service with a searchable online database
connecting residents to local food resources, housing, and crisis support.

Phone: 211
Online: 211lifeline.org

Foodlink
Part of Feeding America, Foodlink is the regional food bank serving 10 counties in the Finger
Lakes and Genesee Valley region. It supports more than 200 food pantries and meal programs across the area, coordinating food response and SNAP outreach efforts.

Online: FoodlinkNY.org

Crisis Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for 24/7 confidential
support.

Find a Pantry Near You
Food pantries that are currently ready to take donations include:

Boys & Girls Club of Geneva
SpotMart / The Spot (Canandaigua and Victor Schools)
Clifton Springs United Methodist Church Kids Pantry
Naples Open Cupboard
FLCC Food Cupboard (Serving FLCC Students Only)
Finger Lakes Treasure Trove, Canandaigua
Canandaigua Churches in Action Food Pantry