Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Skip Wardynski heard his late grandfather Frank's voice in the back of his head when he decided to make a big donation to help area families who are waiting for SNAP benefits because of the federal shutdown.
"My grandfather used to say, 'give until it hurts and if it doesn't hurt, you haven't given enough," Wardynski said.
Frank Wardynski's motto about giving back was one of the factors that led Wardynski & Sons Inc. - the venerable East Side food manufacturer - to donate 1,200 pounds of hot dogs to FeedMore Western New York. That's enough to help feed 1,000 families.
As part of the donation - almost a companion donation - Skip Wardynski had a local bakery operation donate enough rolls to go along with the hot dogs.
Making the donation was an easy decision, Wardynski said.
"We had to do something," Wardynski said.
Perhaps the hot dog donation may spur other area food manufacturers to do the same thing, although that was not his motivation, Wardynski said.
"It was something we felt we needed to do," Wardynski said. "If others follow, that's great."
Founded in 1919, Wardynski & Sons is a third generation, privately-held, family-owned company headquartered on Peckham Street in Buffalo's Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood. Skip Wardynski has been president and CEO for more than 25 years.
Wardynski & Sons is best known for its signature hot dogs and sausages. It also makes bologna and head cheese among other products.