The center received $61,123 through the New York State Department of Conservation’s Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment Grant Program which will support the purchase of a walk-in freezer.

The grant was announced by DEC Region 9, which recently awarded a total of $176,000 to emergency food relief organizations across Western New York. The program, launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul in October, is part of a $5 million statewide investment aimed at reducing food insecurity while preventing food waste through improved food storage and recovery infrastructure.

“This grant is not just a financial contribution — new commercial refrigeration is a lifeline for St. Susan Center,” said St. Susan Center Executive Director Cherie Rowland. “It empowers us to provide nutritious meals to those in need, reduces food waste, and strengthens our ability to serve our community during challenging times. With this support, we can continue to uphold our mission of dignity and respect for every individual who walks through our doors.”

DEC Region 9 Director Julie Barrett-O’Neill emphasized the importance of these local investments, noting that the grants support organizations doing critical frontline work while also helping the environment by keeping surplus food out of landfills.

Cherie Rowland, St. Susan Center executive director, speaks with Chad Staniszewski, State Department of Conservation Region 9 assistant regional director, after the DEC presented a $61,123 check to help purchase a new walk-in freezer for the St. Susan Center. Submitted photo

“These organizations provide a vital service for our community,” O’Neill said. “DEC is proud to be able to provide local emergency food relief equipment grants which help prevent food waste while also supporting the organizations that are doing the frontline work to fight hunger.”

The DEC said the grant program is part of the state’s broader commitment to hunger prevention, affordability, and sustainability. The DEC also administers the state’s nation-leading Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, which has helped recover millions of pounds of food for New Yorkers in need while reducing climate-altering emissions.

Other Western New York Grant recipients included the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, and the Buffalo Urban League.

Rowland added that the center is grateful for this investment and the continued partnership with the state in the shared mission of fighting hunger, reducing waste, and building a stronger, healthier community.

“It’s awesome,” Rowland said.

Cherie Rowland, St. Susan Center executive director, is pictured with items that have been donated to the center.