New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 9 celebrated the recent awarding of $176,000 in State grants to support three community-based food relief organizations in the region. St. Susan Center, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and Buffalo Urban League are among a total of 12 Western New York grant recipients addressing food insecurity, helping New Yorkers in need, and helping the environment by reducing food waste. The funding, from DEC’s Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grant program announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in October, is part of $5 million awarded to food pantries, soup kitchens, and other programs statewide.
DEC Region 9 Director Julie Barrett-O'Neill said, “These organizations provide a vital service for our community. DEC is proud to be able to provide local emergency food relief equipment grants which help prevent food waste while also supporting the organizations that are doing the frontline work to fight hunger.”
Grantees include:
- St. Susan Center in Jamestown was awarded $61,123 to support the purchase of a walk-in freezer to help expand their Produce Recovery Program;
- Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers was awarded $29,670 to support the purchase of a reach-in freezer, reach-in refrigerator, and generator for the agency’s food pantry; and
- Buffalo Urban League was awarded $85,848 to support the purchase of a commercial fridge, commercial freezer, portable generator, and a cargo van to enhance their Senior Multi-Service Center food pantry services.
St. Susan Center Executive Director Cherie Rowland said, "This grant is not just a financial contribution; new commercial refrigeration is a lifeline for St. Susan Center. It empowers us to provide nutritious meals to those in need, reduces food waste, and strengthens our ability to serve our community during challenging times. With this support, we can continue to uphold our mission of dignity and respect for every individual who walks through our doors.”
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers CEO Chandra Redfern said, “The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) is proud to be able to serve additional members of the Buffalo community at the BFNC Community Food Share. Our food pantry and other community services are provided to assist community members in time of need. We are thankful to DEC for the opportunity to enhance our community pantry.”
A full list of awardees is available on DEC’s website.
The Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants are part of Governor Hochul’s more than $11 million through DEC to support emergency food relief for food insecure New Yorkers. The remaining $6 million supports a renewed partnership with Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks by funding critical staffing and essential operations at food banks and their local partners statewide.
Photos from the event are available.
DEC also administers the State’s nation-leading Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law which helps reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling. Governor Hochul previously announced a record 63 million pounds of food collected from the state's largest food-related businesses to feed hungry New Yorkers. The milestone is a direct result of DEC funding to capture new food donations and help build stronger, healthier communities. Watch a video announcing the latest record food donation milestone held during Climate Week and Hunger Action Month in September 2025.
Each year, DEC partners with the Venison Donation Coalition and Feeding New York State through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, not-for-profit organizations like Feeding New York State's regional food banks, and deer processors. Hunters contribute nearly 40 tons of venison each year and, in 2024 alone, DEC issued more than $21,000 in hunter-donated funds to Feeding New York State and the Venison Donation Coalition.
DEC’s efforts complement other ways New York State is leading on affordability, hunger prevention, and food diversion. The launch of free lunches for all children in New York schools is one of the latest examples, with others including: Nourish New York program; 30 Percent NYS Initiative for school meals; Farm-to-School program; FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative; Food Access Expansion Grant Program; Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs; and Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grants Programs, among other funding and initiatives.
