(CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK) - The Teachers’ Association of Cheektowaga-Sloan (TAC) and Teamsters Local 449 are joining forces to open a new Community Food Pantry to address food insecurity and ensure that Cheektowaga-Sloan’s students - and local families - do not go hungry.

The pantry - which is located at Teamster Local 449’s Headquarters at 2175 William Street in the Buffalo Suburb of Cheektowaga, in the heart of the district - is set to officially open this Saturday (May 20th) at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting.

“Helping out in the community is Union work,” said TAC President Amy Kochan, an Earth Science Teacher. “Teachers and local Unions, like TAC and the Teamsters, care about students and the families who live here.  We all know that our public schools unite us.  They are the center of our community.  So, when a part of our community is struggling, we all feel an obligation to step up and try to meet the need.”

Kochan said Cheektowaga-Sloan teachers have been collecting non-perishable food, personal care items and household items.

Teachers from all grade levels, members of Teamsters Local 449, student volunteers and retired Teachers will work together to keep the pantry open seven days a week.

The local Unions are engaging their Members to keep the donations coming in and are strongly encouraging participation from others in the community.

In addition, American Legion Post 1320 donated $500 for food to help get the project off the ground.

Kochan added the idea for the community pantry stems from a three-year, community-building project encouraged by TAC’s Statewide Union, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).

As a participant in NYSUT’s Local Action Project, TAC Representatives learned how to better engage the community and meet community needs.