Food Pantry Wins State Grants for New Roof and Solar Panels
Solar savings are projected to put roughly $1 million in additional food on local tables over the next decade
Courtney Callahan, volunteer Warehouse Manager at the Olean Food Pantry, shows off some swiss chard that was available on a recent visit. Photo courtesy Olean Food Pantry
OLEAN - The Olean Food Pantry (OFP) has received a New York State grant through the NY Providing Local Access to Essential Sustenance (NY-PLATES) program to install solar panels on its building at 8 Leo Moss Drive. The award builds on an earlier grant through the NYS Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program, arranged by Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, which will fund a full replacement of the pantry's roof.
About the roof, Sempolinski said, “I am extremely grateful to be able to direct $50,000 to the Olean Food Pantry to help this incredible organization replace their roof so they can continue to provide healthy, nutritious food to people and families struggling with food insecurity. We are all in this together and we have a responsibility to help one another when we can. That’s what the volunteers at the Olean Food Pantry do day-in and day-out. I’m fortunate to represent them as their voice in the Assembly and very happy to help them with their mission.”
The roof replacement is scheduled for spring 2027, with solar panel installation planned for fall 2027. The solar system is projected to save OFP $6,973 in electricity costs in just the first year of operation. With an expected 25-year lifespan for the system and considering future electricity rate increases, OFP expects a total savings of $277,009. Those savings go directly to feeding local families. Through its partnership with FeedMore WNY, OFP can turn every dollar saved into $14.48 worth of food. Over the next 10 years, these savings will allow OFP to buy about $1 million in additional food for local families in need.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could get a new roof and solar panels covered by grants," said Jerry Hustak, who volunteers as OFP's Operations Manager. "I am absolutely thrilled that we will be able to do these projects. The solar panels will allow us to save a ton of money on electricity so we can give out more food to our community.”
OFP Vice President, Rich Esposito said, “We extend our deepest gratitude to New York State Assemblyman Sempolinski, who helped us secure the CREST award for the roof replacement. That first award required OFP to become prequalified in the NYS Statewide Financial System, the state's grants portal. Being prequalified then made it much easier for the pantry to apply for the competitive NY-PLATES funding, so the Assemblymember's support and encouragement helped open the door to both projects. We are also so grateful to the donors who contributed funds specifically toward the solar panel project in recent years. OFP is required to contribute a small cash match toward the solar panel project, so with those donations in hand, we were well positioned to win this grant.”
THANKSGIVING DISTRIBUTION
OFP will hold its annual Thanksgiving food distribution from Friday, November 6 through Monday, November 23 during regular pantry hours: Mondays 12:30-4:30pm and Fridays 10:00am-2:00pm. Last year the pantry gave out 650 Thanksgiving packages. These packages contain turkey and all of the traditional Thanksgiving fixings. Smaller households will receive a turkey breast and larger households will receive a whole turkey. Holiday items are provided in addition to each family's regular food distribution.
"Thanksgiving is about sharing a meal with the people you love, and we want every family in our community to be able to do that," said Kathleen Donovan, OFP Board President. "With grocery prices soaring right now, we know a lot of people need help, and we are ready to do just that.”
CATTARAUGUS GIVES
OFP will participate in Cattaraugus Gives Day on Dec. 1, 2026. Donors giving up to $150 are encouraged to give online that day at www.cattaraugusgives.org. Those wishing to give more or avoid credit card processing fees can mail or drop off a check, made payable to the Olean Food Pantry, at 8 Leo Moss Drive, Olean, NY 14760. You can also donate on OFP’s website, oleanfoodpantry.com any day of the year. “With your help, we aim to increase our food distribution in the coming year to meet the ever-growing needs of our community.”
ABOUT THE OLEAN FOOD PANTRY
The Olean Food Pantry is the largest food pantry in Cattaraugus County. In 2025, OFP had 23,573 visits and gave out more than 127,000 days’ worth of food. The pantry is run by volunteers and has no paid staff.
OFP is open to all New York State residents who meet the income requirements. To qualify, you must be on SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, or SSI - OR - attest that your household income is below 225% of Federal Poverty Level (i.e., $39,910 for a single person or $74,250 for a household of four). You do not need an ID or any documents to show your income. If you can’t make it during our normal hours, you can authorize a friend to pick up for you. For more information, visit oleanfoodpantry.org or call 716-372-4989.