The clock in downtown Medina, NY.

We love talking about food and drinks, but I love to talk about our community even more. When it comes to finding ways that we can help, we’re all ears. Our community and neighbors have always been at the forefront of what we deem important; its strength, well-being, and opportunity to overcome difficult times were priorities in the past as much as they are today. 

Whether it’s due to cuts to SNAP or difficult times, we always have an opportunity to help. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve compiled a list with the help of many of you. This list will continue to evolve and we’re happy to add anyone that we’ve missed. Please help us make a difference this holiday season and beyond. If you know of a place that people can donate in Medina or the surrounding areas, please let us know.

Businesses/Organizations

Rudy’s Diner

Location: 118 W. Center Street, Medina, NY 14103

Program: “HOME” – Helping Others Move Easier

Details: When you visit Rudy’s, you can pre-purchase a menu item to add to the board. Then, when someone comes in who could use a warm meal, they can choose something from it – no questions asked.

If you’d like to help, just tell your server you’d like to contribute to the HOME Board.

The Walsh Tap Room

Location: 525 West Ave, Medina, NY 14103

Program: Community Meal Campaign – in conjunction with “Cruisin” in Medina

Details: Just mention the ad or say “community” when placing your order, and they’ll set aside a prepaid meal for someone who could use one.

If you’re in need of a meal:
Just let the bartender know. No questions asked.

Lee Whedon Memorial Library

Location: 620 West Ave, Medina, NY 14103

Program: Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive

Details: The program will run from November 10 – December 31. Collected peanut butter and jelly donations will be distributed to local food banks.


Canal Village Winter Farmers’ Market

Location: 345 Main St., Lower Level in Canal Basin, Medina, NY
Time: Saturdays from 9AM – 1PM (During market hours throughout winter season)

Details: Canned and non-perishable food items for the Medina Emergency Food Pantry

Community Action

Location: 131 S. Main Street, Albion, NY 14411 (behind the Main St. Store)
Phone: (585) 589-5605

  • Emergency Food Pantry – Call for more information on pantry hours.
  • Food Distribution – 165 S. Platt Street, Albion, NY 14411
    • Next distribution dates: November 10 and December 8, 2025
    • Open 9 AM – 3 PM for food boxes

Eastern Orleans Community Center (Community Action)

Location: 75 Public Square, Holley, NY 14470
Phone: (585) 638-6395

  • Emergency Food Pantry (for Eastern Orleans County residents) – Call for more information on pantry hours.

Hands 4 Hope

Website: www.hands4hopeorleans.org

  • Lunches (for all Orleans County residents)
    • Served from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Schedule:
      • 1st Saturday – Medina, Star/Orient Streets
      • 2nd Saturday – Holley Square
      • 3rd Saturday – Albion, Hoag Library
      • 4th Saturday – Albion, Lyndon Dr. Ext (at the end)
  • Mobile Food Pantry – Visit website for rotating locations and schedule.

Kendall Community Food Cupboard

Location: Kendall United Methodist Church, 1814 Kendall Road, Kendall, NY 14476
Phone: (585) 281-4295

  • Food Pantry and Personal Supplies
    • For Kendall school district residents only
    • Call for more information on pantry and supplies

Meals on Wheels

Service Area: Albion, NY
Phone: (585) 589-5424
Website: https://arcglo.org/business-services/meals-on-wheels/

  • Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors 60+
    • Daily hot meal delivered around noon
    • Cold meal available for supper (case manager approval required)
    • Additional eligibility criteria available on website

Orleans Koinonia Kitchen @ Harvest Christian Fellowship

Location: 560 East Ave, Albion, NY 14411
Phone: (585) 319-1578

  • Serving Dinner – Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
    • Take-out containers available after dinner
    • Frozen meals, care bags, and free food available

The Vine Church

Location: 11031 Maple Ridge Road, Medina, NY 14103
Phone: (585) 798-3738

  • Food Pantry – Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM – 12 PM

*Keep and eye out for local businesses that are assisting with food drives

Medina Emergency Food Pantry @ St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church

Location: 1355 West Avenue, Medina, NY 14103
Phone: (585) 798-0953

  • Food Pantry – For Medina school district residents only
    • Provides emergency food once monthly
    • Bring ID and proof of residency
    • Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 12 PM

The Medina Teachers Association is collecting donations to support our community!

MTA Food Drive
November 10–20, 2025
We’re collecting non-perishable food items such as soups, tuna fish, cereal, pastas and sauces, pancake mixes and syrup, PB&J, ramen noodles, canned veggies, and more.

MTA Essentials Drive 2025
November 10 – December 2
Help us give back by donating personal care essentials to benefit the Medina Area Association of Churches.
Examples include:

  • Hair items: shampoo & conditioner
  • Body items: deodorant & body wash
  • Face items: toothpaste & shaving cream

Donations can be dropped off at Medina Junior-Senior High School and can be left outside the main office for pickup at the end of the day.

If your business or organization would like to contribute, you can contact krosenbeck@medinacsd.org for questions.

What to Do When It’s CODE BLUE (Temperature: Below 32°F)

Daytime Warming Centers (open during normal business hours)

Hoag Library
134 S. Main St.
Albion, NY

Lee-Whedon Memorial Library
620 West Ave
Medina, NY

Community Action Eastern Orleans Community Center
75 Public Square
Holley, NY

Overnight Warming Center (Open Upon Request)

If you need access, call: 585-340-1355

Location:
Christ Episcopal Church
26 S. Main St.
Albion, NY 14411

Again – please help us keep this list current so people can continue to use it as a community resource – after all, we’ve always been #MedinaStrong and will continue to advocate for all of our WNY neighbors.

We hope this post finds you safe, healthy, and happy.