BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR - BECOME A FOOD SHUTTLE VOLUNTEER!

Socially conscious citizens - both individual and corporate - have in many ways shown that Buffalo is truly a "City of Good Neighbors." A special example is the Food Shuttle of Western New York. Since 1989, the Food Shuttle has been transporting excess prepared and perishable unserved food from super-markets, bakeries, restaurants, and other food sources to soup kitchens, shelters, food pantries and care organizations throughout the Buffalo area.

It all began in 1989 with a group of 18 people at St. Gregory the Great Church in Williamsville who were concerned that in parts of the community many were going hungry; while in other places, good excess food was being thrown away. They saw a need and created a solution with a clear and simple concept. They offered to pick up the food from the locations where it was leftover and deliver it to those who needed it most.

Since that time, a very efficient ALL-VOLUNTEER organization has been developed and continues to evolve as necessary. The organization quickly expanded to encompass the entire Buffalo area and is divided geographically among three branches - Amherst, KenTon/North Buffalo and Southtowns. Volunteers are from all segments of the community from stay-at-home parents to career professionals, from senior citizens to students fulfilling their school-required community service obligations and even "seasonal" participants.

Although numbers change almost daily, the Food Shuttle currently averages about 500 volunteers. Opportunities to assist this cause are almost limitless. The Food Shuttle operates 7 days a week, 358 days a year and averages nearly 300 pick-ups per week. Volunteer time is flexible and is selected by each individual. Using their own vehicles - from compact cars to pick-up trucks - most volunteers drive once a weekwhile a few drive as often as every day. Some drive only once months; and others, such as "snowbirds" or schoolteachers, are seasonal . Each volunteer driver selects "shuttle runs" from a predetermined schedule and other volunteers help with administrative, clerical or telephone duties rather than driving.

Food Shuttle transports approximately 1,000 TONS of food annually (that's about 5,400 pounds of food per day.) Food is currently picked up from 75 regularly scheduled locations and another 50 on a when-needed basis. The donated food is transported directly from the provider to one or more of approximately 120 recipient locations served by the Food Shuttle. These agencies then redistribute the food to those in need.

Over the years, various entities have recognized Food Shuttle with 20 community service awards for its role in bringing food to the hungry. An important secondary benefit of this program is the protection of the environment by eliminating the need to bury usable food in area landfills.

There is an on-going need for additional volunteers and new sources of donated food. Any food-related business with excess food to donate or anyone wishing to volunteer can get additional information by leaving a message on the Food Shuttle Hotline at 716-688-2527.