Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc.

The CAO nutrition assistance program has been providing needy Buffalo families and individuals with access to nutritious food items for more than 25 years at our main food pantry located at 70 Harvard Place. Unfortunately, poverty's reach has spread far and wide and as a result, that need has now stretched to the suburban and rural communities of Erie County. In addition to receiving food, upon each visit each family is asked to complete a questionnaire to determine their eligibility for other CAO services or programs and services offered through or partnering agencies. They are then assigned a Family Development Credentialed case worker who through strength based analysis, will assist in meeting their needs, which often include, but are not limited to: clothing assistance; medical insurance assistance; prescription assistance; WIC; food stamps; flu shots; dental health; diabetes testing; child care; HEAP; furniture assistance; mental health assessment; budgeting and financial literacy education and emergency home repair assistance. This process is designed to bring the most vital human needs services right to the doorstep of the client, since on of the biggest hurdles in combating rural poverty is lack of accessibility.