Foodlink Invests $15M in Upgrades to Combat Rising Food Insecurity in Rochester

Rochester, N.Y. – Foodlink is set to receive a $15 million investment to enhance its facilities and expand services. This funding comes at a crucial time, as more local residents are facing food insecurity.

Julia Tedesco, the president and CEO of Foodlink, shared that there have been 1.8 million visits to food pantries this year, a significant jump from 1.3 million in 2024. This increase highlights the urgent need for Foodlink’s mission, which focuses on providing food and resources to the community.

The upgrades, part of their Nourishing Tomorrow project, will transform their facilities on Mount Read Boulevard and the community farm on Lexington Avenue. Key improvements include a new energy-efficient commercial cooler that will allow the organization to store 300 pallets of food and significantly boost their cold storage capacity by 69%.

Foodlink’s community kitchen will also expand, enabling the preparation of more meals. By summer, they aim to operate over 100 meal sites across Monroe County, providing more than 12,500 meals daily for children and seniors.

The curbside market will move to a larger location, making it easier to serve the community. Additionally, the purchase of more land will help grow the community farm.

This $15 million investment will be crucial over the next three or four years, allowing Foodlink to serve the community more effectively and safely. Funding has come from various sources, including government agencies and local grants. Foodlink is also seeking an additional $5 million to help complete their mission.