News

Nov. 17, 2025:

Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes and United Way of the Southern Tier have joined together to provide $30,000 to three food pantries in Chemung and Steuben counties.

Food pantries across the area have seen a significant increase in demand with the delay of SNAP benefits this month. According to data provided by Food Bank of the Southern Tier, three pantries in our region, which have been selected for the funds, recorded the greatest surge in clients: Samaritan Center in Elmira; Pantry of Angels, serving Lindley, Addison, and Woodhull, and Catholic Charities Emergency Services that covers Bath and Hornell.

“For generations, our community has built and sustained food pantries to ensure that all our neighbors are fed. Recently, those pantries stepped up in a big way as dramatically more people turned to them for help. In one case, a local food pantry saw a 300% increase in demand! Since the Community Foundation and United Way work closely with these programs year-round, we knew pantries would want to meet this moment, but their resources would quickly be stretched to the limit,” said Randi Hewit, president of Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes.

“Our generous community has made it possible to coordinate these emergency grants quickly. Personally, and professionally, I am grateful to live in a place where we take care of each other,” Hewit said.

“When families in our community are struggling, our neighbors, donors, and partners step forward without hesitation. This collaboration reflects the very best of who we are – a community that cares deeply and acts quickly,” said Maleaha Smith, president and CEO of United Way of the Southern Tier. “We’re so glad to partner with the Community Foundation to make sure local food pantries have what they need right now. This coordinated support fund is a great example of what happens when people come together to take care of one another.”

United Way of the Southern Tier continues to accept monetary donations to support food pantries in Chemung and Steuben counties and also encourages people to provide direct support to their local pantry. Donations to United Way’s Emergency Response Fund can be made online. Checks can be mailed to: United Way of the Southern Tier, 88 E. Tioga Ave., Ste. 102, Corning, NY 14830. Please put “Emergency Response Fund” in the memo line of the check.

Those who prefer to donate food items should check with their local pantry. Volunteers are also needed to help. Those who would like to volunteer should contact their local pantry directly or visit United Way’s online volunteer page.

For more information, please contact United Way Director of Donor Experience Lois Wilson by email or at 607-377-5834.