Dear Community Members,
We understand the anxiety and hardship that comes with changes to, or the temporary suspension of, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. We want to assure you that there are still many vital resources and assistance programs available to help bridge this gap.
Below is a list of programs and organizations prepared to offer immediate food and essential needs assistance. Please reach out to them directly for support.
Local Food Pantries
For more information, directions and pantry information for other communities, please go to the FeedMore WNY Pantry Locator here.
Please note that when receiving assistance at a FeedMore WNY affiliated pantry partner, you will be required to attest to meeting USDA eligibility. In order to be eligible to receive household TEFAP products, the total household income for all household members must be at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Also, applicants who participate in one or more of the following programs – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for the TEFAP program.
Tonawanda City School District Family Support Center (FSC)
Provides free access to nonperishable food items, hygiene products, and clothing for TCSD families.
How to access:
Call 716-213-5095 or email FamilySupportCenter@tonacsd.org
Ask your child’s school counselor or administrator to connect you
All services are confidential and available to TCSD families at no cost
HEAP – Home Energy Assistance Program (NY State)
Provides low-income households with financial assistance to help pay heating and/or cooling costs.
How to access:
Apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov for residents outside NYC.
Apply in person or by mail via your local county social services office.
Call the statewide HEAP hotline: 1-800-342-3009 for questions or assistance
BackPack Program – Tonawanda Elementary School
Provides weekly bags of nutritious, kid-friendly, nonperishable food for students in grades K–5. Free through a partnership with FeedMore WNY. Limited to 125 students, first come, first served.
How to access:
Contact Mrs. Wittman, call 716-694-7691 ext.6306 or email mwittman@tonacsd.org
Participation does not impact eligibility for other food assistance programs
We are committed to helping you navigate this challenge. Please utilize these resources and remember that you are not alone in this.
Sincerely,
Sarah Infante, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Zakiyyah Missert, Family Support Center Director
To download a pdf of this letter, click here: Support Services Letter