The Highmark Foundation and Buffalo Bills Foundation today unveiled Victory Table, a mobile healthy food and wellness initiative designed to nourish our neighbors by expanding access to nutritious meals, nutrition education, and vital community resources across Western New York.
Rooted in a shared commitment to improving community health, Victory Table was created to help address barriers that can make it difficult for individuals and families to access healthy food and wellness support. The initiative reflects the Buffalo Bills Foundation's focus on addressing food insecurity in our region.
"The Buffalo Bills have always had a unique ability to bring people together, and Victory Table allows us to turn that connection into action. Together with Highmark, we're investing in relationships, listening to communities, and creating new ways to support families across Western New York," said Michelle Roberts, executive director, Buffalo Bills Foundation. "Our hope is that by meeting people where they are, we can better understand community needs and help build a future where every family has access to healthy food and every person knows they have a seat at our table."
The Victory Table will travel throughout Western New York, bringing free healthy meals, nutrition education, and wellness resources directly to schools, community organizations, neighborhood events, and food access initiatives. Grounded in the belief that healthier communities are a victory for everyone and that every individual deserves a seat at the table, the initiative will create opportunities for healthy eating, learning, and connection while fostering long-term community well-being.
"We believe that achieving better health outcomes starts with ensuring families have direct access to nutritious food and essential wellness resources, which is why we are grateful to collaborate with the Buffalo Bills Foundation on Victory Table," said Kenya T. Boswell, president of the Highmark Foundation and senior vice president of community affairs at Highmark Health. "Together we are nourishing our neighbors, creating opportunities for healthier lives and building stronger communities in Western New York."
Victory Table was shaped through extensive engagement with community partners and informed by insights from similar efforts across the NFL. Ongoing data, research, and planning support from the University at Buffalo Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab will help identify community needs, guide deployment strategies, and ensure the initiative delivers meaningful impact throughout Western New York.
"Data and community insight are critical to ensuring resources reach the neighborhoods that can benefit most," said Dr. Raja Samina, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Director of the Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab (the "Food Lab"). "It's an honor to support an initiative that combines healthy food access with a long-term vision for community wellness and health equity."
Victory Table will be operated year-round by Strive, a local organization dedicated to expanding access to healthy food and promoting community well-being. Through an application process, community organizations will be able to express interest in hosting Victory Table at neighborhood events, schools, food access initiatives, and other community gatherings throughout Western New York.
"Our mission at Strive and Modern Market Co. is the relentless pursuit of serving others, and I can't think of a better fit for that mission than Victory Table. We're ecstatic to be part of it," said Jon Corto, co-founder of Strive and Modern Market Co.
Today's launch event was held at the Resource Council of WNY, where more than 50 children and their families participating in the organization's after-school program received healthy meals and engaged in wellness-focused activities. This first stop reflects the mission of Victory Table: bringing healthy food, education, and supportive resources directly to communities. In the months ahead, the mobile unit will travel throughout all eight counties of Western New York, extending its reach to neighborhoods across the region.
For more information about Victory Table or to submit a request, visit buffalobills.com/victorytable
