​BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​An East Buffalo neighborhood that has historically lacked food security now has access to fresh groceries.

A Community Action Organization of Western New York food pantry is now open on East Ferry Street.

The pantry offers fresh produce, meat and dairy products.

It’s all thanks to a partnership with Providence Farms Collective and Fresh Fix, as well as funding from the CARES Act.

The CAO is also providing COVID-relief programs like rental and mortgage assistance, daycare scholarships and mental-health counseling.

"Usually when a person or family is food unstable, they have a lot of other things going on,” Brandi L. Haynes, Community Action Organization of WNY Adult Services vice president, said. “And they may need other needs. And our goal is always to provide a holistic approach, a wrap-around approach to help the family become whole."

The pantry is located inside the Resource Council of Western New York building on East Ferry near Lonsdale Road.

It's open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays.