By Jeff Martin
You don’t have to tell Pastor Ralph Mueller about how much food is wasted throughout the United States in any given year.
And you don’t have to tell him about the importance of volunteerism, either.
the church annually, and the four to six volunteers
who man the food pantry do so with
heart and soul, and without complaint.
Both issues are incentive enough at the United Church of Ellicottville, where for over 20 years volunteers have worked hard to help those who need the most help. As much as $55,000 in food is passed out at the church annually, and the four to six volunteers who man the food pantry do so with heart and soul, and without complaint.
“This pantry, and what it accomplishes, makes life so much easier for those who need it,” Mueller said this week. “It’s hard for people to know just how important it is.”
In an average year, FeedMore Western New York supplies as much as 15 million pounds of food to pantries throughout the area. Of that $55,000 worth of food at the United Church of Ellicottville, $35,000 of that comes from FeedMore, according to Mueller. The rest comes from donations from the church congregation and the community.
“It’s quite a cooperative venture,” he said.
The pantry is open from 10am-noon on Saturday, 1-3pm on Monday and 4-6pm on Wednesday. It’s located at 51 Elizabeth Street.
1-3pm on Monday and 4-6pm on Wednesday. It’s located
at 51 Elizabeth Street. “We serve at least 100
people a month, on average,” he said. “The numbers
dipped during Covid, but then started going up
again.” Mueller said he would like to see more fruits
and vegetables.
For Mueller, the act of volunteering is a precious act. While he himself has offered services and assistance free throughout his life and career, he admits that his efforts could be improved upon.
“I ask myself quite regularly if I’m involved enough,” he said. “Am I helping the youth, the less unfortunate, my congregation as much as I can? Can I do better?”
Food banks are vital in filling in the cracks. Feeding America, the nationwide network of 200 food banks, reported that more than 53 million people turned to food banks, food pantries and meal programs for help in 2021, a significant increase from before the pandemic. Mueller himself saw firsthand how the numbers increased at the Ellicottville pantry.
“We serve at least 100 people a month, on average,” he said. “The numbers dipped during Covid, but then started going up again.”
Donations at the pantry are steady and many bring canned foods. Mueller said he would like to see more fruits and vegetables. He said those who bring food shouldn’t worry that it will spoil; there is typically someone at the church or nearby who can accept the items.
With rising food costs not seen for more than 40 years, food banks like United Church need as much food as possible.
And, yes, volunteers.
“We have a very dedicated group of people at the church, but we always welcome more,” Mueller said, adding that those interested should call the church at 699-4003.