Following a successful inaugural event in 2024, West Side Community Services (WSCS) was eager to embark on a second edition of their Chopped-style cooking contest, West Side Chops. This year saw another amazing outpouring of community support for the culinary competition that raised more than $26,000 for WSCS’ Provisions 139, market-style food pantry that provides quality, nutritious food, free of charge, to those in need in West Buffalo. 

“Rich’s and the Rich Family Foundation are committed to nourishing our neighbors,” said Stephen Rich, Rich’s Innovation Center Chef and one of six culinary teams that competed in the event held on April 30, 2025. “While it was fun to compete against friends and fellow chefs, this was really about creating good food, good beverages, and raising money and awareness for the food pantry.” 

More than 200 guests watched in eager anticipation as 6 chefs from the corporate and non-profit sectors used four ingredients commonly found on the shelves at Provisions 139 as the foundational flavors for their signature dish. Guests sampled small plates and cast votes for the People’s Choice for tastiest creation. A panel of judges also ranked the dishes and awarded prizes for Judges’ Choice and Best Presentation.

Rich’s proudly participated and sponsored the immersive event but the partnership with WSCS goes well beyond the culinary competition. Rich’s is a longtime ally of WSCS, providing financial support, product donations and access to volunteers to this anchor organization in WNY’s fight against hunger. And the need has never been greater.

The latest from Feeding America reports a staggering 126,300 people in Erie County are food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.  The same study concluded that some people are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity, including children, communities of color, immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, single-parent households, and others.

Provisions 139 opened its doors to bring free, fresh food to people living in the 14201, 14209, 14213 and 14222 area codes. Members of those neighborhoods, which surround Rich’s world headquarters in Buffalo, NY, are allocated points based on household size which can be redeemed for groceries twice per month to supplement the food needs of their family. 

In 2024 alone, Provisions 139 served more than 3,700 individuals from 1,100 households, which is equivalent to 180,000 meals provided—upwards of 350,000 lbs of food. In addition, the pantry distributed 30,000 diapers.

“We are grateful for Rich’s strong, long-term investment in food security in Buffalo,” said Mary Schaefer, Director of Operations, West Side Community Services. “Rich’s has been and continues to be deeply committed to West Side Community Services’ work, not only through financial support, but also through their very meaningful gifts of time, energy, expertise, and engagement. We love having Rich’s associates and family members volunteering with us in our food pantry and at our events year-round. They bring a warm, neighborly vibrancy to every interaction!”

Rich’s culinarians, Chef Stephen and Teah Stevens, brought energy and flavor to this year’s WS Chops event. Using the assigned ingredients, which included pinto beans, kale, oats and dried cherries, the duo served up tasty Tacos by TeaSt (a portmanteau of the two chef’s names).

“We didn’t win, but that’s not why we were there,” said Stephen who was proud to see other Rich’s associates among those in attendance. “We are hoping and helping to make a difference. Any time that we spend doing for others, feels good. That was a great day!”