On June 5th, June 12th and June 19th, the Herb and Aaron Siegel Foundation will be spearheading an effort to deliver meals across the East Side of Buffalo in order to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of its partners – – Rich Products, Back to Basics Outreach Ministries, Citizen Action of New York, Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, Jewish Family Services and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy – the Siegel Foundation will be donating 1,000 meals on each of those days to families during these difficult times.
“Our concern is that while we may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with regard to the pandemic, we are in the early innings of persistent food insecurity in many of our communities,” explained Aaron Siegel. “We need to make sure that, as the pandemic begins to recede from the headlines, we are not forgetting our neighbors who are still struggling.”
As advocates for the East Side, The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is helping to promote this initiative. Both Herb and Aaron Siegel have served on Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy Board of Trustees, with the Aaron currently in the role of Chair Elect of board. Through the Siegel Foundation, they are also benefactors of the Siegel Landing at Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park.
“We’ve been collaborating with dozens of incredible organizations that are delivering meals to the Western New York community, and it’s our privilege to team up with the Siegel Foundation to continue contributing to this important work,” said Steve Rich from Rich Products. “The silver lining during this crisis is that disparate groups have come together with the common goal of helping our neighbors. All of us at Rich Products are proud to pitch in and do our part.”
Back to Basics Outreach Ministries has also been active with several partners, including Thurman Thomas, in delivering meals to the community. “We are pleased to contribute our expertise of getting food into the hands of those who are struggling,” explained the Ministries’ President and CEO Pastor James Giles. “We know the families who need it most, and our team tackles that crucial “last mile’ in getting it into their homes. This effort also represents a new relationship with the Siegel Foundation, one that we hope will continue after the current crisis abates.”
The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and Citizen Action of New York have also offered invaluable expertise and volunteer assistance in bringing this initiative to fruition.
People in need are encouraged to reach out to Back to Basics Outreach Ministries located at 1370 William Street (716-854-1086) to be included in the meal distribution.
