OLEAN — For more than a decade, Olean Food Pantry has been a cornerstone of food security in Cattaraugus County. In 2024, with the help of United Way funding, they’ve taken their impact even further, providing nutritious staples like milk and eggs to thousands of local residents facing food insecurity.

With their first installment of United Way support, Olean Food Pantry purchased $3,557 worth of milk and eggs from Jim’s Park & Shop in Olean, distributing these essentials to 2,252 individuals across 775 households in July 2024 alone. Food was distributed over four key dates: June 28, July 5, July 12, and July 19.

“Food insecurity has been on the rise in Cattaraugus County over the last four years,” said David Potter, board president of Olean Food Pantry. “This grant has helped us more adequately serve people and families in need.”

The numbers tell a powerful story. Since 2020, the number of pantry visitors has more than doubled, reflecting a dramatic increase in community need. According to the New York State Health Department, nearly 1 in 4 adults in Cattaraugus County experience food insecurity, and pantry leaders estimate the rate is even higher among children.

United Way funding allows the pantry to stretch its reach. “The grant enabled us to purchase food products that wouldn’t otherwise fit into our monthly budget,” said Potter. “As a result, we’re serving more people without worrying about running out of supplies on distribution days.”

While food distribution itself runs smoothly, the pantry is focused on improving its infrastructure. After securing a grant last year to replace an aging freezer, Olean Food Pantry continues to seek funding for facility and equipment upgrades — investments that will help sustain their work well into the future.

Olean Food Pantry measures its success with two key metrics: the food purchased and the people served. With support from United Way donors like you, they’re making measurable progress in the fight against hunger.