Other Basic Needs
There are many resources for emergency food in Erie County for people in need. Anyone eligible for Temporary Assistance is automatically eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly food stamps). Many food pantries and soup kitchens are located throughout Erie County. Food vouchers are also available from some organizations if someone needs food immediately. You can call 211 or visit www.211wny.org/ as the sites change often.
Transportation
For individuals eligible for Medicaid, transportation funds are available to get to and from medical appointments, including mental health clinic services, PROS programs, dental and psychiatric appointments. Call 716-858-4877.
For people over 60 who are not receiving Medicaid, the Erie County Department of Senior Services “Going Places” van is available. Call 716-858-7433 for information.
NFTA Reduced Fare Program
716-855-6611
131 N. Ellicott St
Buffalo 14203
https://metro.nfta.com/special-services/reduced-fares
Fee: $2 for processing
Metro bus/rail passes, issued to those on SSI or SSD, entitle the rider to pay half fare on Metro bus and rail trips. Call to request an application or go to the website.
No one needs to know the reason you have the pass. (Note: If you need a copy of your actual benefits statement, one can be obtained by calling 800-772-1213 or be requested in person at your local Social Security office).
Phone, Utilities, Appliance Repair And Other Basic Needs
Call 211 or go to http://www.211wny.org/ to find these services.
Food Resources
This section has resources for basic food needs. Many nonprofit and community agencies also offer assistance. Call 211 or go to http://www.211wny.org/ for other and new listings.
SNAP-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps)
716-858-7239
158 Pearl St
Buffalo, NY 14202
Service Details
SNAP benefits can be used like cash to purchase food only (no toiletries, soaps, cleaning products) and are available to anyone who meets income limits set by the Federal Government.
Application for SNAP benefits may be made separately or it may be included in an application or Temporary Assistance. Applications may be filed in person or by mail. The amount of SNAP benefits a household is eligible for depends on the household size and income. (College students must meet additional eligibility criteria to qualify).
When applying for SNAP benefits, you may be eligible for expedited services. When applying, bring with you: photo ID, proof of all income (earned and unearned), birth certificates and Social Security cards for all household members, utility bills, and proof of all shelter costs.
Feed More WNY
716-852-1305
91 Holt St
Buffalo, NY 14206
Service Details
For eligibility requirements and locations, www.foodbankwny.org/pantry-locator/
Dozens of places where food assistance may be found in WNY. Also, mobile food pantry is available. Also operates Meals on Wheels.
Buffalo Dream Center Joseph Project Mobile Food Pantry
716-854-1001
286 Lafayette Ave
Buffalo, NY 1413
http://www.buffalodreamcenter.org/mobile-food-pantry/
Buffalo City Mission/Men’s Community Center
716-854-8181
100 East Tupper St
Buffalo, NY 14203
Service Details
Shelter for homeless men, Security 24 hours a day. Medical care, linkage to housing and mental health providers; short, medium and longterm residential programs. Case management services, substance abuse recovery and anger management courses. Three meals, evening meal for residents and men in the community. Pantry food with pastoral reference.
Buffalo River Food Pantry/ Old First Ward Association
716-856-8613
62 Republic St
Buffalo, NY 14204
Call ahead; bring identification. Serves mainly zip code area 14204 and part of 14210.
Service Details
Emergency shelter/housing for adults with developmental disabilities; and persons with developmental disabilities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, respite, group and apartment-style residences. Will accept individuals with a secondary mental health diagnosis.
Catholic Charities
716-856-4494
525 Washington St
Buffalo, NY 14203
www.ccwny.org
Service Details
The main office and branch offices (listed online and in the telephone directory) also provide food vouchers in emergencies. Call for location in area you need.
Food for All/Network of Religious Communities
716-882-7705
1272 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14209
www.hungersolutionsny.org/find-a-noep/noep/food-for-all-a-program-of-the-network-of-religious-communities-2/
Fees: None
Service Details
Can give callers the location of food pantries and soup kitchens nearest their homes. Assist clients with Food Stamps and other federal feeding programs, e.g. Summer Food Service Program, WIC, school breakfast, free summer meals for children.
Friends of Night People
716-884-5375
394 Hudson St
Buffalo, NY 14201
www.friendsofnightpeople.org
Service Details
Dinner daily, Food Pantry
Also, general medical clinic and podiatry services; eye clinic, and AA meetings, and clothing closet. Call for hours or appointments.
Urban Diner
385 Paderewski Dr
Buffalo, NY 14212
Meal Time
21 Westminster Ave
Buffalo, NY 14215
Hearts for the Homeless Food Pantry & Mobile Soup Kitchen
PO Box 437
Buffalo, NY 14223
https://heartsforthehomeless.org/mobile-soup-kitchen/
Service Details
Food pantry, and cafe to open soon.
Mobile soup kitchen at the downtown library Tues-Sat 5-6 pm.
Matt Urban Hope Center/ Lt. Col. Matt Urban HSC of WNY
716-893-7222
385 Paderewski Dr
Buffalo, NY 14212
Fee: None
www.urbanctr.org/matturbanhopecenter.html
Service Details
Serves adults, seniors, and children
Provides for many basic needs to address homelessness or high risk of homelessness, including Urban Diner (restaurant-style soup kitchen), food pantry with Food Bank of WNY, clothing boutique and Personal Essentials Pantry
Salvation Army Family Assistance
716 883-9800 x 230
960 Main St
Buffalo, NY 14202
www.buffalosalvationarmy.org
Help with food, casework, referral, Christmas assistance, heating fund.
Salvation Army – Tonawanda
716-693-3110
PO Box 191
46 Broad St
Tonawanda, NY 14151
www.empire.salvationarmy.org/EmpireNY/Tonawanda
Service Details
Fees: None, but donations accepted for senior lunch program.
Emergency food assistance, emergency utility assistance as funds are available, rental assistance if funds are available, nutrition and recreation for elderly. Call for eligibility requirements.
Service area: Erie & Niagara counties
South Buffalo Community Table
716-822-3193
187 Southside Pkwy
PO Box 1067
Buffalo, NY 14220
https://www.sbcommunitytable.com/
Service Details
Provides a hot meal to those in need; occasional food pantry. Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter dinner.
Community Missions of Niagara Frontier
716-285-3403
1570 Buffalo Ave
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
www.communitymissions.org
Community Soup Kitchen
716-285-3403
1570 Buffalo Ave
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Fees: None
Service Details
Serves nutritious, well-rounded lunch 6 days a week in a clean, enjoyable place. Open to anyone.
Food Pantry
716-285-3403
1590 Buffalo Ave
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Fees: None
Service Details
Eligibility: call to be sure you have required proof of address.
Bags of food for residents of zip code service area to take home and prepare. Will assist from outside of area for short-term emergency.
Western New York 2-1-1 (WNY211)
See additional resources at www.wny211.org
or call 211 or 1-888-696-9211
Clothing
This section includes many resources for low-cost or free clothing. Many nonprofit and community agencies offer assistance. Call 211 or go to http://www.211wny.org/
Amvets
716-681-8337
2900 Walden Ave
Depew, NY 14043
716-873-7900
1833 Elmwood Ave (near Hertel)
Buffalo, NY 14207
716-675-7963
1900 Ridge Rd
West Seneca, NY 14224
Buffalo City Mission
716-854-8181
100 East Tupper St
Buffalo, NY 14203
Free clothing to those in need with agency referral.
Thrift shop
716-681-9129
510 Dick Rd
Depew, NY 14043
Catholic Charities/Ladies of Charity
716-895-4001
1122 Broadway
Buffalo, 14212
www.ccwny.org
Goodwill Industries of WNY
716-810-9341
www.goodwillwny.org
Many branch stores around WNY. Call or visit their website for details.
Matt Urban Hope Center/Lt. Col. Matt Urban HSC of WNY
716-893-7222
385 Paderewski Dr
Buffalo, NY 14212
Fee: None
www.urbanctr.org/matturbanhopecenter.html
Service Details
Serves adults, seniors, and children “One-stop” type of community center. Clothing boutique and Personal Essentials Pantry; and basic health care and benefits assistance.
Retap Thrift Shop/Phoenix Frontier
716-836-7880 or 716-204-0627
1057 Kensington Ave
Buffalo, NY 14215
716-694-2701
54 Webster St
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
www.phoenixfrontier.org
Salvation Army
www.buffalosalvationarmy.org
Many branch stores around WNY. Call or visit their website for details.
