For many, the holidays are not just religious celebrations but also a time to honor the bonds of family and friendships, to remember the wonder and innocence of childhood, and participate in the traditions that connect us with our ancestors. It is a time for special meals, decorations, parties, and presents. It is an exercise in abundance. So it makes sense that, for others, the holiday season is also a time when scarcity is most keenly felt.
Poverty is complex. Financial issues can arise as a result of a sudden personal tragedy, health crisis, war, or natural disaster. It can be temporary or it can cyclical; meaning a person was born into it. Since there is no single, simple cause, there is no single, simple solution. Fortunately, our county has resources to assist those are who are struggling and do not have the economic means to consistently secure a sufficient amount and/or quality of food. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please check out any of the resources below.
Some resources outside of the city require proof of residency, proof of number of individuals in the home, and offer resources a limited number of times a month or one time only per family. Fortunately, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Many neighborhood houses of worship and community centers offer aid and similar services for families.
Food Pantries
Brighton Food Cupboard
Temple B’rith Kodesh
2131 Elmwood Avenue (Door A), Rochester, NY 14618
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Brockport Food Shelf
14 State Street Brockport, NY 14420
First four Thursdays of every month, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(585) 637-8169 Appointment Only, For Delivery
Hilton Parma Emergency Food Shelf
59 Henry Street Hilton, NY, 14468
(585) 234-2090 Appointment Only
Irondequoit Community Cupboard
2841 Culver Road Rochester, NY 14622
Distribution Hours: Tuesdays & Saturdays 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Fridays 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(585) 336-9107 Appointment Only
Life Solutions of Hamlin, Inc.
1696 Lake Rd Hamlin, NY 14464
(585) 964-7420 Appointment Only
Loop Ministries
The Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word
597 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Maplewood Edgerton Emergency Kupboard (MEEK)
Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside Street, Rochester, NY 14613
Open Mondays 9:00 am – 11:30 am, Fridays 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Last two Tuesdays and Thursdays of the month 9:00 am – 11:30 am, second and fourth Saturday of the month 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Pittsford Food Cupboard
3800 Monroe Avenue Pittsford Business Park, Suite 26 Pittsford, NY 14534
Tuesdays & Fridays 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
First & third Saturdays of each month 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
(585) 264-9860
Rochester Family Mission
388 Tremont Street, Rochester, NY 14608
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and Wednesday 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rochester Hope North Clinton Food Pantry
Saint Michael’s Church
859 N Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
Saturdays 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal
PO Box 302 Henrietta, NY 14467
Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
(585) 453-2370 Appointment Only
Saint Theodore’s Food Cupboard
168 Spencerport Road, Rochester, NY, 14606
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Salvation Army
70 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY 14604
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
100 West Ave, Rochester, NY 14611
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
915 N. Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
Last two Wednesdays and Fridays of the month 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Sister M. Regis Food Cupboard
Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini Parish
316 Bay Street, Rochester NY 14605
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Southwest Ecumenical Ministries Community Services (SWEM)
1049 Wegman Rd, Rochester, NY 14624
Monday-Friday 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
(585) 235-4491 Appointment Only
Spencerport Area Ecumenical Food Shelf
4997 Ridge Road W. Spencerport , NY 14559
(585) 397-0290 Appointment Only
Hot Meals
Blessed Sacrament Church
The Southeast East Rochester Catholic Community Supper Program
259 Rutgers Street Rochester, NY 14607
Monday – Friday at 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
(585) 271-7240
Asbury First United Methodist Church
1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Wednesday–Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 am and Sundays 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
A Meal and More
Christ Church Rochester
141 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Wednesdays 11:30 am – 1:00 pm on and Sundays 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
Cameron Community Center
48 Cameron St, Rochester NY 14606
Monday-Friday 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Open Door Mission
The Samaritan House Crisis Center
210 Main Street, Rochester, NY 14608
Daily at 6:00 pm
House of Mercy
285 Ormond Street, Rochester, NY 14605
Daily at 8:00 am – 9:30 am, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, and 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Northwest Neighborhood Outreach Center
St. Luke Tabernacle Community Church
1261 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14613
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 10:00 am and 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Tuesday 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rochester Family Mission
388 Tremont Street, Rochester, NY 14608
Wednesday 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Third Presbyterian Church
4 Meigs Street Rochester, New York 14607
Saturdays at 11:30 AM
(585) 271-6513
United Church of Christ
The Gathering Place
570 Klem Road Webster, NY 14580
Second Sunday of the month at 4:30 PM
(585) 671-3757
Webster Assembly of God
708 Hard Road Webster, NY 14580
4:00 PM (Call or email to register)
(585) 671-2423 or [email protected]
Webster Baptist Church
59 South Avenue, Webster NY 14580
First Monday of the month at 5:30 PM
(585) 265-9480
United Methodist Church of Webster
169 E. Main Street Webster, NY 14580
3rd Saturday of the month at 4:30 PM
Call for details: (585) 309-6510
Assorted Services
Hot and To-Go Meals
Wednesday–Friday 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (breakfast)
Sundays 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (lunch)
Hygiene and Laundry Services
Last Sunday of the month, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (hair care services)
Wednesday & Thursday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (shower services; first-come, first-serve)
Wednesday–Thursday 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (laundry services; appointments are made in-person the prior week; first-come, first-serve)
Clothing and Home Goods
Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
3rd & 4th Saturday of the month, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Medical and Dental Care
Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (appointments made online or by calling 585-271-1050)
Final Thoughts
This is just a jumping off point and there are plenty of other options in all areas of Monroe County. A quick Google search with your zip code and a keywords like “food cupboard” or “community meals” will help you narrow down your search. Additionally, you can search on Facebook for your town’s or neighborhood’s “Buy Nothing”, “Free Stuff”, or “Pass It On” group. The purpose of those groups is typically to secure free items such as clothing or small appliances, etc. but I’ve often seen posts in those groups asking for tips on other resources such as free food or affordable housing. I’m often touched and impressed by how many people have good suggestions for resources in the area.
No matter your current economic situation, it does not define who you are as a person. In times of struggle, I wish you strength and peace. In times of strength and peace, I wish you the courage to offer compassion and support to those who are struggling. During this festive time of year, may we all find some comfort and joy.
