ROCHESTER, N.Y. — According to Foodlink, more than 150,000 people in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region lack access to enough food to live healthy lives. 

One effort to change that comes from a unique source of hope and humor in Rochester, Polite Ink Comedy. Each year, this sketch and improv comedy troupe pairs comedy with compassion to make a real difference for those facing food insecurity.


What You Need To Know

  • Polite Ink Comedy in Rochester uses sketch and improv performances to raise funds for combating food insecurity

  • Proceeds from their Monopoly-themed event were donated to The People's Pantry, which has provided food to over 27,000 individuals this year

  • Community-driven efforts, including events like Polite Ink's show and campaigns like Wegmans' Check Out Hunger, play a vital role in fighting hunger

"This is our 12th year, and we do both sketch and improv," said Karen Craft, founder and director of Polite Ink Comedy.

While the mood of the evening was lighthearted, the mission was significant; proceeds from the event were directed to The People's Pantry, a Rochester-based nonprofit working to address food insecurity.

"Right now, we've reached about 8,200 people that we've given out food to this year, and that's households, so that equates to about 27,000 individuals," said Mike Durfee, executive director of The People's Pantry.

The evening's performance featured a Monopoly-themed show, delighting attendees with nostalgic board game references.

"We have a nice game theme that people will be surprised about — in terms of a lot of board games a lot of people grew up with," said Reuben J. Tapp, a troupe member of Polite Ink Comedy.

"The audience participation, though, is sort of like the best part about the show," said Carter. "You rehearse, you rehearse, you rehearse, but 60% of the show, you get there and you really have no idea how it's going to play out."

She added, "It's all based on what people give us, and they shout out for the suggestions, as well as when they get on stage and how they interact with us and the energy that they bring. It's really awesome."

The Monopoly theme also extended to a "VIP Jail," adding a playful touch to the audience engagement while supporting the fundraising effort.

"One hundred percent of the ticket sales, the raffles and the VIP Jails that we have up on stage that people can purchase a ticket and throw their loved ones in jail for a little bit on stage — all of it is going to The People's Pantry," Craft explained.

"We love the show. It's a fun night, and this is what our community can do to give back and provide food for those in need," Durfee added. 

For those inspired to help, there are several ways to get involved — from donating to a local food pantry to participating in campaigns like Wegmans' Check Out Hunger Campaign, which runs until Nov. 30.