Sister M. Celeste O'Bryan's
South Buffalo Community Table
Even though the Good Shepherd Community of Faith will no longer be in the building, the South Buffalo Community Table will continue to serve at 187 Southside Parkway Mondays through Thursdays 4 pm to 5 pm.
The Table will resume meal service Monday March 24, 2025.
Please send all mail to: South Buffalo Community Table | P.O. Box 1067 | Buffalo, NY 14220
Since 1983 the South Buffalo Community Table soup kitchen has been serving over a thousand hot meals a month to the hungry in our community.
It is because of our many wonderful volunteers, local farmers, businesses and the South Buffalo community that we are able to offer nutritious, hot meals Monday through Thursday each week and on holidays.
Our mission is to come together to serve God in the persons of those who come to us with no questions asked. To satisfy the need of hunger by providing a hot meal and fellowship. We promote the value of nutrition, increase self-sufficiency, and instill hope
Donate
Generous local grocery stores continue to support us with breads, fruits, vegetables and meat donations throughout the year. We do need to supplement these from time to time to fill out the day’s menu.
Your financial support helps the Table pay food bills, utilities, maintenance on the equipment, insurance and so much more. Many people donate in memory of a loved one.
You, your church, or organization can help by hosting a food drive.
Call us for a current list of needs –usually canned goods, paper products and cleaning supplies.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are amazing. Typical volunteer tasks include: sorting and bagging the many breads and other donations we receive, cutting fruits and vegetables for the soup and dinner that day, cooking and serving the meal, preparing beverages, washing dishes and cleaning.
Volunteers usually work one day a week or month from 1–5:15 pm, but hours are flexible.
Last year, the South Buffalo Community Table, Inc. celebrated the 40th Anniversary of serving hot meals in our area. The year began with the sad news of the passing of Sr. Mary Celeste O’Bryan who for many of those 40 years was at the helm of the Table.
With the rising costs of food and increasing number of struggling families and the homeless in our area, the need is greater than ever.
Despite the challenges created by the current economic conditions, we are committed to continuing Sister Celeste’s mission of feeding those in need.
The Table’s mission of providing hearty and healthy meals to those who seek its service is a constant that members of the community can always count on. The Table in turn counts on the generosity of time given by countless volunteers and monetary donations that enable the Table to purchase food and supplies necessary to serve nutritious meals.
The South Buffalo Community Table is truly grateful for any and all support that enables its mission of service to others to continue.
The South Buffalo Community Table is located at
187 Southside Pkwy. in Buffalo
Mailing Address is P.O. Box 1067, Buffalo, NY 14220
Tel: 716 822-3193
In early 1983, the South Buffalo Ecumenical Association, a local organization of religious denominational groups, identified a need to help the growing number of poor and homeless people living in our community.
It was thought that despite their diverse religious beliefs, the association membership serves one God and that it is in serving others that they best serve Him.
Sister Celeste O’Bryan, a Sister of Mercy and member of the South Buffalo Ecumenical Association, happened to be present at the meeting when the need for a director was discussed.
Sister Celeste agreed to take on the responsibility on a “temporary” basis. That responsibility continued for over 30 years.
In 2015, Sister Kristen Schmitz, SSJ, joined Sister Celeste as an assistant to the operations of the South Buffalo Community Table.
Upon Sister Celeste’s retirement in 2016, Sister Kristen took the Coordinator position at the Table, reminding us that the South Buffalo Community Table is a ministry, not a welfare agency. Sr. Kristen retired at the end of 2020.
We are fortunate that Mary Beth has joined us as Manager in time for the 2021 holiday season.
South Buffalo Community Table is located at:
187 Southside Pkwy. in Buffalo.
Enter the side door of the former
Good Shepherd Church
Please send all mail to:
P.O. Box 1067, Buffalo, NY 14220
Tel: 716 822-3193