Catholic Charities' Joyce Family Food Pantry Volunteers
(This article was also published in the 2026 Community Day newspaper.)
For many families across Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, a visit to a local food pantry is about far more than groceries. It’s reassurance during uncertain times, support during emergencies, and a reminder that their community cares.
Thanks to support from donor dollars through the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, two Catholic Charities of Buffalo food pantries – the Joyce Family Food Pantry in Wellsville and the Franklinville Food Pantry – have continued meeting growing community needs.
The Joyce Family Food Pantry, which serves a wide geographic area of Allegany County, used United Way funding to purchase nutritious food for daily operations as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions. Through partnerships with Foodlink and local grocers, the pantry has been able to provide healthy food options across all major food groups, including low-sodium, reduced-sugar, and gluten-free items for individuals with dietary restrictions.
The pantry’s hybrid service model allows families to either shop indoors or place phone orders for curbside pickup, helping reduce food waste while ensuring clients receive foods they can use. In addition to groceries, clients also receive recipes, meal-planning support, newsletters, and job bulletins.
Like many food pantries nationwide, the Joyce Family Food Pantry has also faced challenges this past year. Reduced availability of USDA food through Foodlink has forced the pantry to spend more locally on staple items like canned fruits and vegetables, increasing pressure on budgets and inventory levels. United Way funding has helped fill temporary shortages and maintain a stable supply of food for community members in need.
At the Catholic Charities Franklinville Food Pantry, donor support has also helped sustain operations during a period of increased demand.
The pantry used United Way funding to purchase food for everyday distributions and holiday meal programs while continuing to serve individuals and families facing both short- and long-term food insecurity throughout Cattaraugus County.
During the 2025 federal government shutdown and temporary suspension of SNAP benefits, the Franklinville pantry experienced a sharp increase in families seeking assistance. Partnerships with FeedMore WNY and Fresh Market helped replenish supplies, while United Way funding offset unexpected food expenses and helped the pantry continue serving families without interruption.
Together, these programs demonstrate how local United Way donor dollars help ensure families have access to nutritious food, compassionate support, and caring neighbors during difficult times.
