The Buffalo Bills Foundation distributed over $400,000 in grants this summer in support of its focus of addressing hunger, increasing access to nutritious food for families and supporting healthy eating in the Western New York Region.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation granted Buffalo Prep $102,500 to support the Prep Market initiative through the 2025-26 school year. Buffalo Prep operates out of Allen Hall at the University at Buffalo and offers year-round programming to academically ambitious scholars of color from more than 35 different ZIP codes.
The Prep Market provides consistent access to culturally relevant and nutritious food for scholars and their families, offers educational experiences such as cooking club, and supports community meals.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Buffalo Bills Foundation for their generous support of Buffalo Prep's Prep Market initiative. Their investment ensures that our scholars and families have consistent access to nutritious food, hygiene essentials, and wellness resources that empower them to thrive," shared Patti Stephen, President of Buffalo Prep.
Buffalo Prep partners with Buffalo Go Green to curate and deliver fresh-take frozen meals and weekly produce bags for scholars and families. In 2024, with the support from the Bills Foundation, the Prep Market served more than 750 Prep scholars through the distribution of 2,700-plus fresh-take meals and 480-plus weekly produce bags.
"This partnership not only strengthens our commitment to student success but also reflects the Foundation's deep-rooted dedication to uplifting communities across Western New York," Stephen added.
The Bills Foundation also granted an award to No Kid Hungry of $167,147 to expand summer meals in rural Western New York communities. The grant allowed No Kid Hungry to support 10 sponsor sites across the region offering non-congregate summer meals to children and families.
Director of No Kid Hungry Rachel Sabella shared her appreciation while attending the check presentation at the Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University.
"The Buffalo Bills have been an incredible supporter of No Kid Hungry's work in New York. This year, they're supporting 10 summer programs in Western New York that are allowing meals to be delivered to kids' homes or kids and their families to pick up a couple of days' worth of meals. Summer is the hungriest time of year, and it's hard for families to access this. So, the Bills are making sure we can make it so much easier for families. It's also been incredible because they're helping us draw attention to programs," Sabella said.
The grant will also aid in distribution sites including Jamestown YMCA, Chautauqua Opportunities, Cassadaga Valley CSD, Lyons CSD, Pine Valley CSD, Wellsville CSD, Salamanca CSD, Pioneer CSD, Clyde-Savannah CSD and Le Roy CSD.
No Kid Hungry is a national campaign run by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world.
Continuing to impact the city of Buffalo, the Bills Foundation granted the Massachusetts Avenue Project $100,000 to support the Growing Green Youth Employment Program.
Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) nurtures a diverse and equitable WNY food system by providing economic opportunities, access to nutritious and affordable food and social justice training for youth. The Green Growing program provides seasonal employment and agriculture training opportunities for disadvantaged youth but it's not just a summer effort, shared Diane Picard, MAP's Executive Director.
"MAP's Summer Employment Program is more than just a summer job for teens it's a gateway to life-changing opportunities throughout high school. Participants gain hands-on experience in urban agriculture, culinary arts, and social enterprise, while developing the skills and confidence to become leaders in their communities," said Picard.
The Growing Green Program fosters job skills development and youth leadership to promote an equitable regional food system. Through hands-on activities at MAP's urban farm, working at Mobile Market sites, and in the commercial kitchen, the youth participants learn product development, financial literacy, enterprise, gardening skills, and are given opportunities to develop confidence and leadership skills.
"This year, when critical funding from the City and County was unexpectedly cut, the Buffalo Bills Foundation stepped in without hesitation. Their generous support ensured that 24 teens not only had meaningful summer jobs, but can continue learning, growing, and leading well into the school year," Picard added.
The Bills Foundation also supported two more organizations, Fare Share WNY and Home Beneath Our Feet. Fare Share WNY was granted $25,000 to support the 716 CSA Program connecting Buffalo families to fresh, locally grown food through a weekly produce subscription.
Home Beneath Our Feet was granted $50,000 to support the Rooted and Rising: Nourishing Families and Growing Futures program, providing fresh, locally grown produce to 60 households through weekly CSA produce boxes.
The Bills Foundation Board of Directors President Dr. Tina Stenhouse believes that partnering with these organizations can help support food security in Western New York.
"We started with the kids…but we're looking at other ways that we can make sure that nobody goes hungry in Western New York. The families are hungry, and so for the Buffalo Bills Foundation, we're looking at ways that we can increase our leverage, increase our funds so that we can meet the various food insecurity needs that are relevant in our community there," added Stenhouse.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation hit the road this summer - visiting grantees Massachusetts Avenue Project and Buffalo Prep, and welcoming No Kid Hungry to training camp at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills check presentation at Buffalo Prep, July 30, 2025.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 04, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation tours Massachusetts Avenue Project, August 08, 2025 at Massachusetts Avenue Project.
