Amherst Little Free Pantry

05/12/2026

Today we remember our beloved volunteer and leader, Cheryl Forell Tomasulo, on the day that would have been her 75th birthday. She embodied authenticity, kindness, and mentorship. On April 25, we dedicated the Pantry Distribution Center (our bulk storage space) in her memory, during the successful kickoff of the Cheryl Forell Tomasulo Memorial Menstrual Care Collection.

04/27/2026

We had a banner week of in-kind donations from partner groups. THANK YOU to Peanut Butter and Jelly (Lockport HQ), UB Newman, WNY Food 4 Paws, The SPCA Serving Erie County, NY, and Kreher Family Farms

04/23/2026

A reminder this Earth Day to check the "best by" or "expiration" dates of pantry items you plan to donate, and please don't give us open pouches of baking mixes.

This is a sampling of the items received this week that are going into my compost or trash, because the best by dates range from 2018 to 2023. We know that many foods are still consumable after the manufacturer-designated dates, but there is a limit.
- baby formula is unsafe to consume after the stated expiration date
- flour will turn rancid with time
- high acid canned foods (like tomatoes) will cause cans to bulge or even rupture
- we cannot accept home-canned goods, as we don't take glass containers (and this one wasn't even labeled as to the contents!)

The recycle bin is full of cans and cardboard boxes and the neighborhood raccoon will enjoy the 2023 beans, but we'd rather feed people with fresher choices!

04/20/2026

https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/tops-markets-expands-food-access-with-snap-payments-through-doordash

Tops Friendly Markets customers can now use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to order groceries for delivery through DoorDash, marking a significant expansion in how families access food across upstate New York.The grocery chain announced the new option Wednesday, allowing s...

03/20/2026

When you have an abundance of canned beans, host a chili cook-off! Thanks to our chefs for providing chilis after a UU Amherst Service earlier this month: Vegan, Chef's Choice (Caribbean Pork), White Chicken, Spicy, Chili Con Carne, Mild (no tomato) White, and No Bean (but chorizo sausage!)

03/20/2026

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✅Assistance & forms for passport renewals

03/20/2026

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03/20/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake DMV Text Messages 🚨

Residents are reporting fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the “New York DMV” about overdue traffic violations and threats of license or registration suspension.

⚠️ This is a scam. Do NOT click the link or reply.

These messages:
Demand immediate payment
Threaten suspension of driving privileges
Include suspicious links (like “dnewoc.cc”)
Create urgency to pressure you into acting fast

🚫 The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles does NOT send texts demanding payment or threatening enforcement like this.

✅ What to do:
Do NOT click any links or reply
Delete the message immediately
Report it as spam on your phone

🔒 Protect yourself and share this warning—scammers rely on fear and urgency to trick people.

02/04/2026

As of February 1, 2026, changes to the SNAP program went into effect. These include new work requirements, dependent age lowered, reduced exemptions and stricter waiver restrictions. This surely will impact our community since food insecurity is at an all time high.

01/21/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our friend and volunteer, Cheryl Forell-Tomasulo, MD. Cheryl was an integral part of our team, especially during the pandemic years, and an enthusiastic supporter of both our mission and our volunteers.
From her family's obituary:
"She was a devoted physician, an award-winning teacher, a committed community servant, and a beloved mother, sister, wife, colleague, friend, and grandmother. ...
Cheryl’s commitment to service extended well beyond medicine. She was enthusiastically involved in her community, volunteering much of her time to the Amherst Little Free Pantry. Service was not just something she did—it was her way of life. She was a passionate advocate for equity and social justice. ...
Dr. Cheryl Forell-Tomasulo is survived by [her brother, children, and grandchildren.]
Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched—as a healer, a teacher, a volunteer, and a loving matriarch to her family.
Calling hours will be held at Amigone Funeral Home (5200 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY) on Friday January 23, from 5-7pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst on Saturday January 24, at 1 PM (6320 Main Street, Williamsville, NY).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amherst Little Free Pantry (6320 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221).