Sister Helen's Food Pantry

The Story

Sister Helen’s Food Pantry was founded in 1983 by Sister Mary Helen Buscarino. Inspired by her missionary work in Brazil, Sister Helen—often

called the “Mother Teresa of Lockport”—initially operated the pantry from her backyard to support local residents and migrant farm workers. She dedicated her life to this mission until her passing in 2022 at the age of 98.

After closing in 2020 due to the pandemic, the pantry was reestablished in

September 2022. By rebuilding relationships with past partners and re-

engaging the parishioners of St. John’s, we were able to reopen the pantry

just days after Sister Helen’s passing. Today, a volunteer board oversees

daily operations under the direction of St. John the Baptist Church and the

Director of Mission.

Sister Helen’s Pantry is 100% volunteer-run. Because no one receives a salary, every donation goes directly toward stocking our shelves, maintaining our building, and supporting our clients. We do not receive food from the Food Bank; instead, we rely entirely on the generosity of our parishioners, local businesses, farms, and community organizations.

Each week, we serve between 100 and 150 families. Our clients visit once

a month to receive meat, produce, bakery items, prepared meals from

Wegmans, and essential hygiene products.

We are currently in great need of the following items:

- Spaghetti sauce and pasta

- Cereal and canned fruit

- Canned pasta (e.g., SpaghettiOs)

- Chunky soup and canned chicken- Hygiene items (toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

How You Can Help:

- Food Donations: Non-perishable items can be delivered during regular

hours, dropped off in the church lobby bins, or scheduled by calling

716-433-8118 ext. 104.

- Monetary Donations: Checks should be made out to "St. John the Baptist

Church" with "Sister Helen’s Pantry" noted in the memo line.

Thank you for helping us keep Sister Helen’s vision alive as we provide spiritual guidance, love, and nourishment to our neighbors.

Sister Helen, pray for us.