Food Banks and Pantries in Buffalo, NY

How to Get Free Food in Buffalo

Buffalo is served by FeedMore WNY, the Feeding America member covering 4 counties across Western New York, formed by the merger of the Food Bank of Western New York and Meals on Wheels. It distributes food through about 300 partner agencies. Buffalo City Mission is the largest direct-service soup kitchen. FeedMore also runs mobile distributions targeting food desert neighborhoods on the East and West Sides.

Regional Food Bank: FeedMore WNY

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Buffalo, NY area. It distributes food to an estimated 300 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across 4 counties across Western New York: Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus.

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Buffalo

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

Buffalo City Mission on East Tupper Street is the largest soup kitchen in Buffalo, serving three meals daily for shelter residents and walk-ins. The Salvation Army on Main Street offers community meals and pantry items. Several church-based kitchens operate across the city, supplied by FeedMore WNY. The response to the 2022 East Side shooting expanded mobile distributions on the East Side.

Mobile Pantry Program

FeedMore WNY runs a Mobile Pantry program that delivers truckloads of fresh produce and staples to underserved neighborhoods across Erie and Niagara counties, including the East Side, West Side, and rural towns. The schedule rotates weekly and is posted on feedmorewny.org. Distributions are first-come first-served.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

FeedMore WNY provides SNAP outreach and application assistance at its warehouse and partner sites. Staff help New York residents apply through MyBenefits. The New York SNAP helpline is 800-342-3009, and applications can be completed at mybenefits.ny.gov.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Buffalo

Call 211 to reach the New York helpline for a referral to the nearest FeedMore WNY partner pantry. Visit feedmorewny.org for the find-food locator, or use feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. Buffalo City Mission at 100 E Tupper St is a reliable same-day option for meals.

More Food & Benefits Guides

• SNAP / Food Stamps guide (general)
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
• EBT card guide -- how it works
• Free meals & community kitchens
• P-EBT & Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Frequently Asked Questions