Thank you, Nexstar Media!

Music for the Mission (M4M), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting grassroots food pantries and community programs across Central and Upstate New York, is expanding its reach through its “60 Pantries in 60 Days” initiative—an urgent response to the growing demand for food assistance across the region.

As part of this effort, the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation, in partnership with WIVT-TV and WBGH-TV serving the Binghamton market, has donated $5,000 to support local food pantries and programs focused on food and shelter insecurity through the campaign.

In addition, Nexstar Syracuse’s WSYR NewsChannel 9 is presenting a separate $5,000 check to Joe Stanley of Stanley Law Offices to support food pantries and programs in the Syracuse region—further strengthening the collective impact of this initiative.

Stanley Law Offices serves as the primary sponsor of Music for the Mission, helping to drive awareness and funding at a critical time for local communities.

This year, Music for the Mission received a record-breaking 82 applications through its annual mini-grant program, which provides up to $2,000 in funding to grassroots organizations addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty. However, due to limited funding, only 22 of those applications could be awarded, leaving dozens of deserving pantries and programs without support.

The “60 Pantries in 60 Days” initiative was launched to bridge that gap.

“The need right now is unlike anything we’ve seen,” said Attorney Joe Stanley of Stanley Law Offices and Founder of the 501c3, Music for the Mission. “Many of these food pantries— especially in rural communities—are operating week to week, entirely volunteer-run, and doing everything they can to meet rising demand as families face higher costs for food, fuel, and basic necessities.”

Across Upstate New York, inflation and economic pressures continue to strain household budgets, pushing more individuals and families to rely on local food pantries. These smaller, community-based organizations often lack the visibility and consistent funding of larger nonprofits, yet they serve as a lifeline collectively for thousands.

Through the campaign, every donated dollar has an immediate and measurable impact: $1 provides approximately 3 meals.

That means:
• $10,000 = more than 30,000 meals provided
• Even small contributions translate directly into food on tables across local communities

While the initiative cannot solve hunger entirely, it delivers meaningful, immediate relief to the individuals and families who need it most.

To accelerate impact, Stanley Law Offices is matching all donations made through April 30, 2026—effectively doubling the support for participating pantries.