“We only have one question: Are you hungry? If the answer is yes, then we feed you.” – Matthew L. Schwartz
We are thrilled to share this inspiring ten-minute TEDxBuffalo video by Mathew L. Schwartz, MBA, UB MSW student, about the Food Gnomes innovative project to feed people who are hungry! The project is based in Buffalo, NY (Erie County). Matthew started Food Gnomes and was quickly joined by other committed volunteers to create a trauma-informed approach to helping people obtain food.
Video link (also on our YouTube channel in the Innovation playlist)
You can also read the 2016 UB news release about Matthew and Food Gnomes.
- Connect with them on their Facebook page.
- Contact them at gnomes@foodgnomes.org. Their phone number (716) 533-7284.
- Their service guide as a model for other programs is in development: gnomesguide.org and gnomesnet.org. Please check back late 2018 for current updates as this work is in progress.
Matthew graduates in May 2018 with his MSW and will continue to work on the Food Gnomes project.
I called with a referral once, no response to client or myself!
Hi Terri, Very sorry to hear that you and your client had a problem with a referral to Food Gnomes. It is challenging for a volunteer, grassroots service to always work out the kinks in services. I will let Matthew know that you had a problem. Their contact info is gnomes@foodgnomes.org and phone number (716) 533-7284.
Do you bring your service to Niagara County? I run a food pantry in Wilson, NY and am just inquiring. Thank you,
Janet Hoffman, Administrator
Wilson Community Food Pantry
716-751-0165
Hi Janet, You would have to contact the Food Gnomes with this questions. You can reach them at gnomes@foodgnomes.org. Their phone number (716) 533-7284. Matthew Schwartz is the lead coordinator for this volunteer project.