Hi Neighbor!
When life presents unexpected impediments even temporarily, groups and organizations are there to help. We don’t regularly read or hear about the contributions of area food banks in the news. But they provide food assistance and often guide individuals and families to additional support services. These local organizations provide the counterpoints of generosity, caring and compassion absent in the media.
Sometimes families go through temporary situations while others endure long illnesses and long-term loss of employment. Seniors experience unexpected out of pocket medical costs and inconsistent employment and food banks are there to help. Often the whole story isn’t known but retired grandparents suddenly become custodians of grandchildren, women and children are left by partners with no access to formerly shared funds. There are so many scenarios that are equally compelling and in need of assistance. Food bank participation has increased in the past year.
Neighbors helping neighbors in small ways make large differences. Some food banks also provide personal care items including paper towels and dish soap, hand soap and shampoo. Often, pet food is contributed to encourage animals remaining at home and out of shelters during crises.
Area food banks work with umbrella organizations like Philabundance, Share Montco Hunger Solutions, Chester County Food Bank and The Montco Anti-Hunger Network. Area businesses contribute fresh produce, bread, canned items and pet food: Whole Foods, Giant, Acme, LeBus and shops that are integral parts of the Main Line.
Local individuals and organizations help stock the food bank shelves too. Some of these include area schools, the Scouts, gyms, book clubs, Ardmore United Methodist Church, Har Zion Temple’s annual food drive, Main Line Reform Temple’s social action committee and 1love4animals.
Food supplies are especially low in between major holidays but are needed year-round. To donate food or financial support or if you’d like to volunteer alongside your neighbors at a food bank, contact the organization directly to sign-up.
Please check expiration dates. Expired foods for humans and their pets cannot be distributed. If you’re in need of assistance, contact food banks in your county for open hours and information.
Ardmore Food Pantry (Lower Merion) St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 36 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore
Chester County Food Bank 650 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton
Chester County Food Finder
Elder Net Food Pantry (Narberth, Lower Merion) 9 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr
Jewish Relief Agency Bala Cynwyd (Main Line, Philadelphia) 225 E. City Ave, Suite 210, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Mitzvah Food Program – Jewish Federation (Western Montgomery County, Delaware County, Haverford Township, Philadelphia) 345 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd
MontCo Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN) is an inclusive alliance of emergency food providers maximizing the acquisition and distribution of nutritious food to those in need.
Narberth Community Food Bank (Narberth, Lower Merion) 201 Sabine Avenue, 2nd floor, Narberth
Upper Merion Community Cupboard (Montgomery County) 191 Town Center Road, King of Prussia (inside Valley Forge Presbyterian Bldg.) Use 227 Independence Road 19406 as GPS destination.
Wayne Food Pantry (Radnor) Located at United Methodist Church 210 South Wayne Avenue, Wayne (back entrance)
Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli, has a Food Closet available for all Chester County residents. We distribute food the 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 9:30-11:00am, and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 5:00-6:30pm. For more information call 601-644-4040 or contact ma**********@gm***.com
Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli, has a Food Closet available for all Chester County residents. We distribute food the 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 9:30-11:00am, and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 5:00-6:30pm. For more information call 601-644-4040 or contact ma**********@gm***.com
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