The Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood will be one of the sites for Saturday's "Spread the Love” peanut butter drive to help FeedMore WNY assist those in need across the region and here at home.


What You Need To Know

  • FeedMore WNY to hold peanut butter drive
  • Collections to take place in five WNY locations
  • Need has increased 116% in Chautauqua County

"We have seen quite an increase in need in Chautauqua County," said Anne McKenna, FeedMore WNY chief communications officer.

McKenna says from April 2019 to this past month, the agency saw a 116% increase in the number of families needing assistance across Chautauqua County.

"It's very alarming to us. We know because of COVID-19, that so many people have lost their jobs, so many people are out of work, or not able to get their regular access to food," said McKenna.

On Saturday, FeedMore is holding its second Spread the Love peanut butter drive in five regional locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including in front of JCPenney at the Chautauqua Mall.

The drive-thru event is designed to collect unopened jars of the household staple in a socially safe way.

"We're actually helping people," said Barrie Yochim, FeedMore WNY board member.

Yochim says the drive allows the agency to take an active role in helping a community in need. 

"This drive is so crucial because we know the statistics are going up for people that have had to file for unemployment in Chautauqua County so having a food drive like this, actually making sure food gets into the hands of our individuals that need it in Chautauqua County," said Yochim.

Former County Executive Greg Edwards is a local community ambassador for FeedMore.

He encourages donors to take advantage of a critical opportunity to help others.

"Rally the troops here in Chautauqua County with a drive like this where we're raising an essential item that people need in their families: peanut butter. It's healthy, it's easily portable and people can recognize that," said Edwards.

A list of the various drop-off locations can be found here.