Food Cupboard
Since 1948 the Webster Community Chest has been helping our neighbors in the greater Webster community with the generous help of our residents. Each year the needs of our neighbors are different, but we are always ready as an organization to provide different resources through our Benefits Counselor Mary Ellen McDowell. Neighbors helping Neighbors, the theme of the Community Chest campaign, rings clear each year as your donations make it possible to help someone buy medicine, help with car repairs, or pay rent when an unexpected emergency happens.
The Chest provides assistance with food for those Webster residents in need. The Food Cupboard is set up as a mini grocery store of nonperishable food and personal care products. All items are donated by Webster businesses, churches, schools, scout troops and individuals. The Food Cupboard is open by appointment and the individual is asked to provide proof of Webster residency and the reason they are in need. Shopping at the Cupboard is free and available on a temporary basis until a crisis is past or other solutions are found.
Each Tuesday evening at 7 PM there is a distribution of perishable food (vegetables, fruit, bread, dairy products, etc.) that has been regularly donated by Wegmans (Holt Road and Eastway), Hegedorns, BJs, Tops, Schutt's, Panera Bread, and Diamond Delights Bakery. Families who meet income guidelines are welcome to come as often as needed. Approximately 40 dedicate volunteers oversee this weekly program. The distribution is held in Room 106 at 985 Ebner Drive. It is recommended you arrive by 6:45 PM, bring a picture ID and recent mail with your Webster name and address.
The Tuesday perishable food program receives donations of food from local markets. Volunteers pick up the food and additional volunteers oversee the distribution every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. We welcome anyone who has the time to join us. Over 2000 volunteer hours are given by kids, families, individuals, scouts, and teams each year. We also have volunteers to sort food and to pack holiday baskets and a corp of volunteers at Christmas to coordinate and wrap presents for children.
The Webster Community Chest maintains the Medical Equipment Loan Closet with the assistance of the Parks & Recreation employees who sign the equipment in and out. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches are available, at no cost, to residents of the greater Webster community. Equipment is available during regular business hours. To check on availability, please call 872-7103.