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In a Facebook post on July 9, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry in Dunkirk made what appeared to be an unalarming call for assistance from a community that has supported the organization for more than 70 years. The location at 319 Washington Ave. was seeking donations of supplies for its Friendly Kitchen.
"We are in need of supplies if anyone has any extra or can donate. We are looking for foil, dish soap, bleach, plastic wrap, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, napkins," the post noted. "If you can help in any way, we truly appreciate it. It helps us to help others in our community."
A recent mailing paints an even bleaker picture. The letter to supporters notes the Friendly Kitchen has discontinued weekend hours and offering a bag dinner on Fridays to assist with food security over the weekends while awaiting word on future funding through the New York state Department of Health.
In its most recent Internal Revenue Service 990 filing, Rural Ministry notes $875,597 in revenue, with $167,996 -- or 19% -- of that amount coming in government grants. The remaining funds, $707,601, come from other contributions, gifts and grants that are not part of government funding. After expenses of $788,041, the organization had a surplus of $87,570 in 2021.
Less than two years later, things have become much tighter.
Officials at the agency, specifically board members, say the future of the nonprofit is now uncertain as Hunger Prevention Nutritional Assistance Program and Nourish New York funding remains in limbo. "This is the first time in more than 25 years that (Chautauqua County Rural Ministry) has not received notice of grant funding through the (state Health Department)," said Allan Steinberg, board president. "This makes up 75% of our total grant budget."
High poverty rates are driving an increased need at the non-profit. According to the U.S. Census, Dunkirk's median household income is $36,901 -- that is more than half of what the U.S. Census notes as the national median income that is $70,784. The city's poverty rate of 26.7% also puts an urgency of keeping Rural Ministry running.
"Chautauqua County Rural Ministry offers the only soup kitchen within a 40-mile radius of Dunkirk and until the funding uncertainty, (it) was the only soup kitchen in the county open 365 days a year," said Kathleen Peterson, executive director.
On average, the organization serves more than 750 prepared meals each week. It also provides access to low-cost clothing, books, community gardens and household items. In addition, the agency notes, through its food recovery program nearly 100,000 pounds of food annually are kept out of the landfill or left in the fields to waste. It estimates that the programs return nearly $200,000 each year to the local economy, supporting farmers, small-scale food processors and local merchants.
While facing the current crisis, there is hope from Rural Ministry that additional community support -- now and in the future -- could ease the reliance on New York state in the future. "With food and monetary donations, we hope to continue the much-needed services in Dunkirk and northern Chautauqua County," the agency notes in a letter. "This will strenghten our long-term capacity, allowing the organization to continue serving the community with or without the support of the (state Department of Health)."
Inflation -- and annual minimum wage increases in New York state -- have taken a toll on a number of non-profits in the region. Dunkirk Public Library had to increase its budget from $350,000 to $450,000 due to rising costs. That hike was approved by voters in June. In addition, in the spring, the WCA Home in Fredonia closed due to rising costs and the changing health-care landscape.
Donations to assist Rural Ministry can be sent to P.O. Box 362, Dunkirk, NY 14048. Those seeking further information on how to assist can send an email to ccrmkp@gmail.com or call 716-366-1787.