Our neighbors in Webster are currently facing significant hardship due to the delay in SNAP benefits caused by the ongoing government shutdown. This is a critical time when many families who rely on this aid are struggling to meet their basic needs.
Several days ago, I posted a blog detailing various locations across Webster and Rochester where families can access immediate food, clothing, and financial support. If you know anyone in need, please direct them to that resource immediately.
In addition to sharing those links, here are a few direct, actionable ways for individuals and families to help provide direct assistance to those who are most vulnerable right now.
Webster Hope and Webster Community Chest are partnering to distribute all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. Months ago when they started planning the effort, they expected only about 175 families to sign up. As of today, there are 275 families requesting meals.
The Webster Community Chest is taking the point in collecting most of the food, and you can find out what they need here on the WCC website (scroll to the bottom of the page for the list). Webster Hope, however, is collecting ground coffee, and they’re in desperate need and are asking for donations from the community.
Any coffee dropped of at Webster Hope (1450 Ridge Rd.) through Nov. 17 will be used for the Thanksgiving distribution. It can be dropped off during Hope’s regular open hours:
- Monday 5 to 7 p.m.
- Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday 3 to 5 p.m.
- Thursday 5 to 7 p.m.
Webster Hope also accepts donations of food and hygiene items and gently used clothing for their regular weekly distributions. The organization regular updates their critical needs on their website. Here’s the October/November list:
- Coffee and tea
- Crackers
- Tuna, albacore preferred
- Canned chicken
- Macaroni and cheese, boxed
- Pasta, all types except spaghetti
- Canned beets, pineapple
- Applesauce
- Oatmeal, instant or regular type
Toiletries
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Dish soap and hand soap
- Toothpaste
- Baby wipes *HIGH NEED*
This reference here also lists ongoing needs. Items can be dropped off at Webster Hope, 1450 Rdge Rd. (east of Phillips) anytime during their normal open hours.
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I was reminded today of a few more ways you can directly help those in need in our community: food pantries.
Anyone at any time can donate food to the residents of the 500-unit Phillips Village community off Phillips Road. Any shelf-stable food is welcome. The Phillips Village pantry is located outside the office, accessible from the office parking lot at 100 Krieger Road between Ridge and State Roads.
St. Martin Food Pantry — 813 Bay Rd., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-671-1899, or email stmartinwebster@gmail.com.
Webster Baptist Church Food Pantry — 59 South Ave., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-265-9480 or email office@wcbus.org.
Webster Public Library Food Pantry — 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Self-serve, inside library entryway. (Includes hygiene items.)
Webster United Church of Christ Food Pantry — 570 Klem Rd., Webster Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-671-3757.
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(posted 11/7/2025)
webster on the web 
Thank you for being part of the solution.
We all have to pull together to do what we can right now. That’s what community does.
thanks for sharing this, friend…..now, on Wreaths….I had heard months ago something negative about the program….but…..do you think I can remember?….don’t get older…..wait…..get older….you will see neat folk on your sidewalk…..between late April and very early November…..😀…Dave
Sheesh. I can’t imagine for a moment how someone could have a complaint about the Wreaths Across America program! The whole idea is to honor our local veterans with a very moving and meaningful ceremony. Perhaps they don’t like to have to stand outside. But some people just like to find ways to complain about anything and everything. So the choice is not to get old … the choice is not to get bitter. Looking forward to seeing you guys again. Perhaps we can get together for a cup of coffee in the meantime.