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United Way steps in as federal shutdown drives hunger in Rochester area
United Way steps in as federal shutdown drives hunger in Rochester area
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United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is distributing $250,000 from its United Response Fund to Foodlink to address urgent food insecurity.
The funds are intended to help Foodlink meet the surging demand for food assistance as thousands of families lose access and experience delays to critical federal nutrition programs. The distribution is in addition to a $184,000 gift to Foodlink that United Way provided earlier this fall in anticipation of federal changes.
As the shutdown heads into its sixth week, thousands of families across the region are struggling to meet basic needs.
“Mobilizing resources during times of crisis is core to our work,” said Jaime Saunders, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “The federal government shutdown is the latest crisis to land on our doorstep, and we are taking immediate action to support our neighbors by partnering with Foodlink as the regional food bank supporting 300 food pantries in our 6-county region.”
United Way is preparing for additional service impacts from the federal shutdown and upcoming changes affecting local human service providers and eligibility across healthcare, housing and more, she noted.
The organization is collaborating with local government officials, connecting with nonprofit organizations and mobilizing resources for a coordinated, rapid community response to maintain critical services across the region.
“As federal and state policy shifts take effect, nonprofit partners and individuals they serve will face new and complex challenges,” Saunders added. “Our region is in a moment of significant disruption and preparing for heightened community need in 2026.”
United Way is mobilizing its United Response Fund, enabled by Community Impact Fund contributions, designed to address both immediate needs and known changes of anticipated future impacts.
Visit United Way’s Federal Response Resource page to donate, volunteer or find resources if you need assistance.
[email protected] / (585) 653-4021
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