As the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) closes its fiscal year, the ACAF Grant Committee and Board of Directors approved grants to six food pantries across Allegany County to help address rising food insecurity.
The grants, awarded through the Carter-Windus Family Fund, will support local organizations that provide food assistance to individuals and families.
"Food insecurity is an increasing issue in our country, particularly with cuts to benefits and kids being home for the summer," ACAF Grant Committee Chair Leslie Haggstrom said. "Although we primarily operate in response to grant applications, we can also initiate grant awards when community needs are especially urgent."
The following food pantries are awarded grants from the Carter-Windus Family Fund:
Cuba Council of Churches Food Pantry: $750
ACCORD Corporation Food Pantry: $1,250
Fillmore Community Food Pantry: $750
Salvation Army of Wellsville: $1,250
Larger Parish Food Pantry of Canaseraga: $500
Gospel Fellowship Church Food Pantry of Belmont: $500
Belinda Knight, Director of Community Operations at ACCORD, said the grant will make an immediate difference for families who rely on the organization's food pantry.
"We are truly appreciative of this generous donation to our food pantry," Knight said. "This donation is significant, as it will support more than 250 families in accessing healthy and nutritious food. We're hosting, on average, 275 to 300 visits to the food pantry each month. Grants and cash donations are essential for helping us keep well-stocked pantry shelves."
