Through the years, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry has assisted thousands of residents who are in need. This weekend, the organization is looking for community support.

To raise funds, a Rock for Hunger Music Fest will take place Saturday at Vibe On Five on Lake Shore Drive. The event begins at noon with lon Sky and will run throughout the day, concluding at approximately 11 p.m., uniting local and regional talent for a full day of live performances aimed at supporting the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry.

Event organizer Lorie Mets said the festival was created not only to celebrate music, but to respond to an increasing demand for food pantry and meal programs in Chautauqua County. “Right now, the need is real and it’s growing,” Mets said. “More families and individuals are relying on food pantries and community meals than ever before. This event is about stepping up as a community to help meet that need.”

The Rural Ministry’s Food Pantry and Friendly Kitchen programs serve as a critical lifeline, providing groceries and hot meals to residents who might otherwise go without. Organizers say rising grocery costs and economic pressures have made these services more essential than ever. A snapshot of the county’s poverty rate is an indication of that. It stands around 17%. In the city, which has been hit by hard fiscal times that included an 84% tax increase in 2025, it’s more than 26%.

Tickets for the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, with admission including food. Advance tickets are available at the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry office, located at 319 Washington Ave., Dunkirk. All proceeds will directly support the Rural Ministry’s Food Pantry and Friendly Kitchen programs, helping expand their ability to serve those facing food insecurity.

For questions, to make a donation, or to purchase tickets, contact Mets at (716) 785-7820 or email metsmichalak@gmail.com.