BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo soup kitchen on the city's east side is serving more meals than ever in recent weeks as food insecurity rises following the recent SNAP benefit disruption.
The Cold Spring Community Foundation operates the Plate of Love inside the State Tabernacle Church of God on Glenwood Avenue. The program not only offers hot meals but also provides other food and clothing items to help those in need.
Each Wednesday, Penny Beckham, director and founder of the Cold Spring Community Foundation, prepares meals at the church. With the recent SNAP benefit disruption, food insecurity has risen significantly across the community.
"The need is great, and it's only gotten greater because of the SNAP," she said.
The increased demand is coming from across the city, not just the immediate neighborhood. Brenda Pace, who helps serve meals, sees it firsthand.
"A lot of them say they don't have enough to feed their children. Don't have enough to feed their entire family, and so we try to just help them out as much as we can," Pace said.
The Plate of Love serves lunch each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and breakfast is served on Saturday mornings.
Grandy Lewis, a volunteer, understands the community's struggles.
"It's really rough for people out there. It's tough, it's definitely tough around here," Lewis said.
The program serves a diverse community across all age groups and backgrounds.
"We get a large range of people from little ones to the old ones," Lewis said. "All types, worker types. Everyone is welcome to come here."
Barbara Long recently started receiving SNAP benefits again, but is grateful for the Plate of Love.
"It's a blessed place to be here and a nice place to come and eat," Long said.
The program provides more than just hot meals.
WATCH: 'The need is great': Buffalo soup kitchen seeing higher demand from SNAP benefit disruption
After receiving their take-out meal, visitors can also pick up other food items and treats. They can also select from donated clothing and children's books.
Despite the growing demand, Beckham is optimistic about meeting the needs of others and walks by faith.
"God always makes a way. He always makes a way, so I'm not fearing because I know that the need is great," she said.
Larry, a veteran who regularly visits the Plate of Love, appreciates both the food and the hospitality. He has particular praise for Beckham's dedication to the community.
"Miss Penny is wonderful. God bless her. She is an angel," he said.
You can make financial contributions and other donations to Plate of Love. The organization accepts donations through CashApp or check and money orders.
A check or money order payable to Cold Spring Community Foundation Inc. and mail it to the attention of Penny Beckham, 234 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Buffalo, New York 14208.
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