ACCORD ACCESS Center Food Pantry Strengthens Community Resiliency
(This article was also published in the 2026 Community Day newspaper.)
At Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development (ACCORD), the ACCESS Center Food Pantry is doing more than providing food – it’s helping families stabilize, connect to resources, and move forward during difficult times.
With support from United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, ACCORD stretches every dollar, purchasing food at deeply reduced costs and ensuring that more families receive the help they need. Between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, the pantry distributed 3,019 food boxes, reaching 2,736 individuals across 947 households. Of those food boxes, 320 were distributed to Meals on Wheels participants.
Each food box represents more than a meal; it provides breathing room. When families can rely on nutritious food, they are better able to cover other essential expenses like transportation, housing, and healthcare.
The pantry continues to evolve to meet emerging needs. Recognizing the challenges faced by older adults, ACCORD increased its monthly distribution of shelf-stable food boxes to Meals on Wheels recipients from 20 to 30, helping ensure seniors have consistent access to food.
Beyond food distribution, the ACCESS Center connects individuals to additional support. Throughout the past year, staff provided 704 referrals to community programs and services, helping families access the broader network of care available in Allegany County. Every pantry visit includes information about resources, recipes, and nutrition guidance, empowering individuals to make the most of what they receive.
ACCORD also plays a key leadership role in addressing food insecurity at a systems level. Through the Allegany County Food Security Coalition and the Unified Services Committee, the organization works alongside schools, agencies, and community partners to coordinate responses during times of crisis, such as the recent federal shutdown and pause in SNAP benefits.
Demand for services continues to rise. Since 2023, pantry utilization has increased by more than 40%, and overall services have grown more than 60% since 2021. During the SNAP disruption in late 2025, requests for food doubled, placing additional strain on already stretched resources. In response, ACCORD expanded hours, recruited volunteers, increased food rescue efforts with local stores, and rallied community donations to keep shelves stocked.
Despite these challenges, the impact remains deeply personal.
One client shared:
“I’ve had to go to the pantry a couple of times the last few months, as my family has had a few more downs than ups lately. I typically speak to a Services Navigator who is so kind—she genuinely listens to me, which means so much. I always feel better after a visit to ACCORD. Everyone there has been amazing, and I’m always treated with respect.”
Stories like this reflect the heart of the ACCESS Center’s work to meet immediate needs while treating every person with dignity and care.
As demand continues to grow, ACCORD is looking ahead. A new “Unity in Nutrition Initiative” will expand food rescue efforts, strengthen partnerships, and improve delivery systems over the next two years, ensuring the pantry can continue to meet the needs of a changing community.
Through United Way support, ACCORD is not only feeding families today, it’s also building a stronger, more resilient Allegany County for tomorrow.
