WELLSVILLE — Catholic Charities Joyce Family Food Pantry in Wellsville has been a steadfast source of relief for hundreds of Allegany County residents facing food insecurity.

With support from the 2024–25 United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties (UWCAC) Critical Needs Grant, the pantry has provided vital nutrition assistance to families experiencing both short-term crises and long-term need.

From May through October, 100% of the Critical Needs Grant funds were used to purchase nutritious food for day-to-day pantry operations, as well as for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday food boxes.

As a member of FoodlinkNY, Catholic Charities leverages strategic purchasing relationships with local grocers and bulk suppliers to stretch every dollar, ensuring that clients receive healthy, well-balanced options across all major food groups.

The pantry offers a thoughtful variety of shelf-stable foods: canned vegetables and fruits, pasta, protein-rich beans, cereals, healthy oils, tomato products, and shelf-stable milk (including plant-based options). Fresh produce from local growers is also increasingly part of the pantry’s offerings, reflecting a commitment to nutrition and local sourcing.

To better serve clients, the pantry continues to operate a hybrid service model. Patrons may come inside to select items or place orders by phone for curbside pickup. This client-choice model reduces food waste and ensures families receive items they will actually use and enjoy.

But Catholic Charities’ support goes far beyond food.

Each month, the pantry distributes printed job listings and newsletters with local resources. Families receive recipes tailored to pantry staples, tips for stretching meals, and support through the agency’s on-site Emergency Assistance Program, which includes clothing, hygiene supplies, and cleaning products. Referrals are also made to the Wellsville Outreach Thrift Store, located in the same East Pearl Street facility.

The impact of these services is measurable: in 2024, the pantry registered 783 families, serving 1,524 adults, 680 children, and 735 seniors. By mid-year, 1,272 families had already been served. This increase is tied in part to continued SNAP benefit reductions and rising food costs, both of which are forcing more working families back into food assistance programs.

The pantry’s reach also extends to individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks. One young man, recently relocated to Allegany County and sanctioned from SNAP benefits, came to the pantry through JobTRACK. He received emergency food assistance, clothing, and hygiene supplies — thanks to the agency’s integrated approach and collaboration between its programs.

Despite national shortages in USDA-donated canned goods, Catholic Charities has continued to meet demand by purchasing essentials locally and in bulk—helped in large part by funding from the United Way.

Thank you to our generous United Way supporters for helping Catholic Charities continue this life-changing work. Together, we are nourishing bodies, restoring dignity, and strengthening our community, one family at a time.