Why Donate Money to a Food Pantry?
It might surprise you — but your dollars feed far more families than a bag of groceries
We're grateful for every food donation we receive — and we always will be. But many people don't realize that a monetary gift goes dramatically further than a donated grocery bag. Here's why your dollars can make such an outsized difference:
Your $1 Provides Up to 5 Meals
Through our partnership with Foodlink, we purchase food at wholesale and bulk prices that aren't available to individual shoppers. That means every dollar you give stretches five times further than buying an item off a store shelf.
Fresh Food Families Actually Need
Most food donations are shelf-stable canned goods — which we appreciate! But families also need fresh produce, dairy, eggs, and protein. Cash lets us buy the nutritious, perishable foods that are rarely donated but essential for a balanced diet.
We Buy Exactly What's Needed
Our volunteers know what's running low on our shelves every week. With cash donations, we can fill real gaps in real time — rather than receiving ten cases of something we already have plenty of.
Zero Waste, Maximum Impact
Donated food sometimes arrives expired or damaged, requiring volunteer time to sort and discard. With monetary donations, every cent goes directly to feeding families — nothing is wasted.
Think of it this way: The $5 you'd spend on a single can of soup at the grocery store can provide an entire bag of groceries when we purchase through our food bank partners.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Every donation — no matter the size — helps us put food on tables in Geneseo.
Consider becoming a monthly donor — a steady gift of even $10/month provides 50 meals every month and helps us plan ahead to serve more families.
The Geneseo Groveland Emergency Food Pantry is a registered nonprofit. Your donation may be tax-deductible.
How We Help
Making a difference in the Geneseo Central School District
Emergency Food
Families can visit up to 2 times per month to shop for groceries they need, choosing items that work for their household.
Fresh Produce
Through our Foodlink partnership, we provide fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein—not just shelf-stable items.
Personal Care
We also stock hygiene products and household essentials that aren't covered by SNAP benefits.
Dignity & Respect
No appointments needed. Our volunteers treat every visitor with compassion and respect—no questions asked.
Featured at the Pantry
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Quick & Easy Recipes
All recipes are under 30 minutes and use basic kitchen equipment
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Looking for more recipe ideas? Check out our blog for budget-friendly meals using pantry staples, or ask a volunteer during your visit!
📍 Visit Us
Location:
Lower Level, Central Presbyterian Church
31 Center Street, Geneseo, NY 14454
Entrance: Faces Second Street
Tue & Thu: 10 AM - 2 PM
Wed: 4 PM - 6:30 PM
✋ Need Food?
If you live within the Geneseo Central School District and need food assistance, simply visit during our open hours.
What to bring:
- Valid ID or mail showing your current address
- First visit: Complete a brief registration form