Erie County Department of Social Services

03/08/2026

🚨 EBT Card Security Alert 🚨

Erie County Department of Social Services has been notified that a card skimming device was identified at:

📍 TOPS Supermarket
700 Thruway Plaza Dr.
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

If you used your EBT card at this location between June 25, 2026 and July 25, 2026, your benefits may be at risk.

To protect your benefits:
✅ Freeze your card through the ebtEDGE app or website
✅ Request a replacement card if your card may have been compromised
✅ Monitor your account for transactions you do not recognize

To request a replacement card:
📱 Visit otda.ny.gov and access ebtEDGE
📞 Call the EBT Customer Service Helpline: 1-888-328-6399

For assistance, contact:
📞 SNAP Call Center: (716) 858-7239
🌐 otda.ny.gov/ebtscam
📍 Erie County Department of Social Services, 158 Pearl Street, Buffalo

Please take action as soon as possible to help protect your benefits.

03/08/2026

Happening Today, August 3rd, starting at 11am!

It's Care to Give Monday at the Resource Council of WNY, 347 East Ferry Street!

Thanks to our partnership with Trader Joe's, they are sharing their harvest of unsold but perfectly edible foods with us to distribute to the community!

🍓 Assorted Fruits and Veggies (everything!)
🍗 Various Meats (chicken and ground turkey, steak, ground beef and pork and etc.)
🍞 Delicious Breads, pastry and more!
🥗 Assorted food items from salads to sushi, cheese, salads, wraps and more. Just come!

As always, distribution is first come, first served and while supplies last. Every week is different and we're grateful! All those in need are welcome.

03/08/2026

💙 August is Child Support Awareness Month! 💙

At Erie County Department of Social Services, we recognize the important role child support plays in helping children and families thrive. Child support provides children with resources for their everyday needs, including food, clothing, housing, education, and healthcare.

During Child Support Awareness Month, we also want to recognize and thank our dedicated Child Support workers for their commitment, compassion, and hard work in helping families navigate the child support process. Every day, they work to connect families with resources, establish and enforce support orders, and promote financial stability for children in our community.

We appreciate the parents, caregivers, and community partners who work together to support the well-being of children and families.

Thank you to our Child Support team for all that you do! 💙

31/07/2026

Healthy food and essential resources are available for East Buffalo families this August.
The CAO Food Pantry offers client-choice food options, including grains, vegetables, dairy products, proteins, canned goods, and other available household items.
📅 Tuesday–Friday throughout August
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
📍 347 East Ferry Street, Buffalo
Please bring reusable bags and photo ID. Households may visit once during each 14-day period.
🧷 Diapers and gift bags will also be distributed on August 13 and 27 while supplies last.
📞 Questions? Call 716-480-5153.

Healthy food and essential resources are available for East Buffalo families this August.

The CAO Food Pantry offers client-choice food options, including grains, vegetables, dairy products, proteins, canned goods, and other available household items.

📅 Tuesday–Friday throughout August
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
📍 347 East Ferry Street, Buffalo

Please bring reusable bags and photo ID. Households may visit once during each 14-day period.

🧷 Diapers and gift bags will also be distributed on August 13 and 27 while supplies last.

📞 Questions? Call 716-480-5153.

30/07/2026

Our annual Wellness on William event will have health screenings, basket raffles, food, community vendors and more.
Friday, August 7, 1-5 p.m.
608 William Street (Jesse Nash Health Center), Buffalo
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact us: 716-858-8378

Our annual Wellness on William event will have health screenings, basket raffles, food, community vendors and more.

Friday, August 7, 1-5 p.m.
608 William Street (Jesse Nash Health Center), Buffalo

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact us: 716-858-8378.

30/07/2026

July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Human trafficking can happen anywhere and affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and help stop exploitation.

If you suspect human trafficking or need help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
📞 1-888-373-7888
📱 Text HELP or INFO to 233733
🌐 www.humantraffickinghotline.org

Together, we can help protect our communities.

29/07/2026

If you receive SNAP, you may be subject to new Federal work requirements that could impact your SNAP benefits. You can meet the work requirements and keep your SNAP benefits if you:
• Earn at least $943 a month, or $217.50 per week
• Do community service or volunteer work
• Learn skills to help you get a job
Visit our website to review the updated eligibility information: otda.ny.gov/abawd

28/07/2026

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Seneca Street Health Fair - Sunday Aug. 9th, 1-3pm! Thank you to our partners, Horizon Health Services, Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School, Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) (Family Planning/Harm Reduction/Health Equity), Fidelis Care, Catholic Health, The Arc Erie County New York, Mental Health Peer Connection of WNY, Hispanic Heritage Association, The Buffalo Urban League, Parent Network of WNY, Alzheimer's Association WNY, Neighborhood Health Center,
PATH People Against Trafficking Humans, Inc., Bikers Against Child Abuse and ConnectLif

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Seneca Street Health Fair - Sunday Aug. 9th, 1-3pm! Thank you to our partners, Horizon Health Services, Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School, Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) (Family Planning/Harm Reduction/Health Equity), Fidelis Care, Catholic Health, The Arc Erie County New York, Mental Health Peer Connection of WNY, Hispanic Heritage Association, The Buffalo Urban League, Parent Network of WNY, Alzheimer's Association WNY, Neighborhood Health Center,
PATH People Against Trafficking Humans, Inc., Bikers Against Child Abuse and ConnectLife!

28/07/2026

All babies need a place where it is safe to sleep. There are steps that parents and caretakers should take to make sure that it is “Safe to Sleep” when putting infants to bed, to prevent infant deaths from unsafe sleeping arrangements and to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Learn more: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cps/safe-sleep.php

27/07/2026

📢 Important Notice from Workforce Buffalo:
Effective July 31, 2026, Workforce Buffalo's SUNY Erie North and South Career Center locations will be permanently closed and consolidated at the Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center (77 Broadway, Buffalo).
Clients currently receiving services at the SUNY Erie locations will continue to have uninterrupted access to workforce development, career, training, and employer services through the Downtown Career Center.
More at: workforcebuffalo.org

📢 Important Notice from Workforce Buffalo:

Effective July 31, 2026, Workforce Buffalo's SUNY Erie North and South Career Center locations will be permanently closed and consolidated at the Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center (77 Broadway, Buffalo).

Clients currently receiving services at the SUNY Erie locations will continue to have uninterrupted access to workforce development, career, training, and employer services through the Downtown Career Center.

More at: workforcebuffalo.org