Other Rochester Area Programs

We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, and so we’re incredibly grateful to have connections to many organizations in the greater Rochester community. By working together with neighboring programs, we’ve been able to address more needs in our community and make a larger impact. Below are links to and brief descriptions of groups within our network.

Foodlink

Foodlink is the regional food bank for western New York and a major partner in our daily operations. Their weekly support is invaluable and essential to our lunch and pantry programs.

St. Monica Church

The host of the Westside Farmer’s Market and our collaborator for the backpack program and blanket giveaways, St. Monica Church is just a few blocks away from St. Peter’s. Also home to the Emmanuel Church for the Deaf, it has served the 19th Ward for more than 100 years through its Catholic masses, youth group programs, farmers market, and many other programs throughout the year.

Westside Farmers Market

Westside Farmers Market and St. Peter's Kitchen are connected through a shared commitment to increasing food access and strengthening community on Rochester’s west side. St. Peter’s Kitchen operates a weekly mobile pantry at the Westside Farmers Market during the market season, providing pantry pick-up and supplemental food support directly at the market site, and is recognized as a partner and supporter of the market. In addition to this service, St. Peter’s grows fresh produce through its Garden of Love community garden to supplement its pantry program, and that fresh produce will be featured at the market in 2026 as part of their ongoing efforts to bring locally grown fruits and vegetables to neighbors.

John Fisher College

St. Peter’s Kitchen proudly partners with students from St. John Fisher University to host a 10-week Community Health and Nutrition Engagement Program that brings prevention and education directly to the Westside community. Students lead discussions on healthy eating, chronic disease prevention, label reading, and affordable meal planning while conducting blood pressure screenings and basic vital checks, helping participants understand and monitor their health. The program addresses food desert challenges by teaching practical strategies such as cooking with pantry staples, reducing sodium, smart shopping, and batch cooking. Participants receive culturally responsive recipe cards using commonly distributed ingredients, reinforcing healthy habits at home. This partnership transforms food assistance into a holistic community health model that advances health equity and strengthens nutrition literacy.

Dreams from Drake

Founded in 2013, Dreams from Drake supports children and teenagers in times of grief and loss, in honor of Drake Ross Pettit, who tragically passed away at four years old. In addition to their support groups, summer camps, and other programs for grieving young people, their Happy Hearts for the Holidays program supplies many toys to our Christmas toy store.

Alyssa’s Angels

Alyssa’s Angels is committed to supporting children in need, children afflicted with serious illnesses, and victims of abuse, in honor of Alyssa Rose Bruno, who passed away after having brain stem cancer. Alyssa’s Angels has helped many children and families in the Rochester area, including the families supported by our Christmas toy store program.

Bethlehem Family Ministries

Bethlehem Family Ministries is an agency that started in 2020 to serve families facing homelessness. They have non-congregate locations in Monroe County and Ontario County Each site maintains a high level of excellence, in order to give the guests a dignified home environment for their temporary stay.
In December 2024, Bethlehem wanted to start housing homeless couples out of a motel so that they wouldn't be forced to separate. However, that vision couldn't happen without meals being provided. St. Peter's Kitchen agreed to provide 3 healthy meals per day. And because of that assistance, our shelter program for couples was launched and successfully cared for each guest.

Need more assistance?

Please email our Director of Community Support Services Amy Mincer at amy@stpeterskitchen.org