BUFFALO, N.Y (WKBW) — “There many seniors in Western New York… but everyone isn’t heard from.”
Chef Dale Holt of Manna Restaurant @ Northland is a big reason that a new grocery delivery service headed by Journey Church in Buffalo was able to get off the ground.
“We have volunteers from different churches, and organizations, and community centers and foundations to help with bagging the food and then drive the food to the seniors,” said Art Hall. He’s the senior pastor at Journey and organized this effort.
Hall said this would not have been possible if not for the many community partners that helped with volunteers and monetary donations and for the Manna Restaurant partnership.
“The partnership with Manna has been so wonderful,” he said. “We were able to cut down on costs because they purchase in bulk.”
Hall says there are other delivery services for seniors, but this one is focused on the East Side. Manna Restaurant is in the same areas as the seniors served, and all the parties know the challenges this community faces — including high levels of poverty and low access to information about available services.
This week the “groceries for seniors” program spent about $1,000 to deliver one hot meal, canned goods, and groceries for the week to about 50 homes.
Hall said the program uses a nutritionist and an FDA approved list of items to make sure all the parties are getting adequately nourished.
“Manna will provide.”
Chef Holt says buying in bulk has helped keep costs down, and local vendors have been supportive of the efforts where they can.
“Different food vendors that help with us with our pricing and the availability of things we otherwise may not be able to get… they help provide for us.”
You can click here to register a senior, volunteer, or donate.
