Food insecurity for children reaches its most serious point when kids should be enjoying a break – summer. Each summer many kids in our community are left without the breakfast and lunch programs that provide them with the nutritious foods that are so vital. The Chester County Food Bank was formed in 2009 to address the escalating hunger problem in Chester County. The primary goal was, and still is, to have a viable, sustainable organization that secures, manages and distributes food to those in need – throughout the entire year.
Through the network of food cupboards, hot meal sites, shelters and other social service organizations, they distribute over 2.7 million pounds of food to our neighbors.
The Food Bank is more than food drives that put cans on shelves. Below are some programs that provide food and build support, while raising awareness and engagement within our community.
Fresh2You Mobile Market
A one-of-a-kind truck from June through November in a neighborhood near you. Fresh2You makes select stops throughout Chester County bringing fresh, delicious, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
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Raised Bed Gardens
The Raised Bed Garden Program was adopted by the Food Bank in 2009 and has grown to over 110 sites being hosted at locations such as schools, corporations, senior centers and churches. Limited volunteer opportunities in the gardens are available April – October. They welcome home gardeners to grow a row and donate produce to your local food cupboard.
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EatFresh and EatFresh Kids
Eat Fresh allows participants to gain positive attitudes toward a variety of nutritious foods including fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The six weekly bilingual sessions provide hands-on cooking opportunities and encourage individuals to acquire basic knowledge of nutrition. Kids Eat Fresh allows elementary-age children to gain positive attitudes toward a variety of real, healthy foods. Hands-on cooking, coupled with Raised Bed gardening, encourage students to learn where their food comes from and acquire a basic knowledge of nutrition.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Volunteers are an integral part of the Chester County Food Bank. Whether you want to dig in at one of the partnering farms or gardens, be an ambassador at community events, be hands on in a commercial kitchen, or assist the office team, they would love to have you or your group volunteer!
Color Some Kindness
Decorate cardboard boxes used for the Senior Food Boxes to help brighten the recipient’s day when they receive it. All ages are welcome to participate, but this is a great service opportunity for children. Boxes can be picked up by request from the facility and returned within two weeks. Contact food@chestercountyfoodbank.org if you are interested in this activity.
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Donate Food
Every pound of donated food makes a difference. Smaller donations such as a bag of groceries or food in lieu of gifts from a birthday party can be delivered to the facility during receiving hours – Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Bring food donations to the warehouse loading dock entrance where you can pull directly in and will be assisted unloading your vehicle.
Pantry staples needed throughout the year may vary, but these are our most requested no matter the season: pasta & rice / canned fruits & vegetables / canned tuna & chicken / peanut butter / healthy cereal & oatmeal
Meals on Wheels
The Food Bank partners with Meals on Wheels of Chester County to provide healthy balanced meals for home-bound seniors. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals and provide a friendly visit to a senior. If you are interested in volunteering to deliver meals, please visit Meals on Wheels.
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A BIG THANK YOU
TO OUR ADVERTISERS!!
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| FARMER FOR A DAY!
Throughout the growing season—which runs from April until November each year— kale, collard greens, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, onions, garlic, tomatillos, sweet and hot peppers, tomatoes and herbs are grown and harvested. All of this nourishing, locally grown food goes to local families and neighbors in need through partner hunger relief agencies and Food Security Initiatives.
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| How is such a significant program implemented? Through the help of volunteers!
Each season, CCFB relies on over 1,000 volunteers to plant, maintain and harvest. There’s nothing quite so rewarding as spending a few hours out on the farm and seeing the impact of your hard work. If you’ve got a weekday afternoon or a few mornings to spare this growing season, get out to the fields and get your hands dirty in the best way!
FAQs
- Volunteers are needed in late August and early September, when students return to school.
- Average 15 volunteers each day during the height of the season, splitting time between a.m. and p.m. shifts Monday – Friday.
- Volunteering is simple: if you’re interested, check out the online calendar, create a profile and sign up for any workdays that fit your schedule!
- Volunteer opportunities are also available at the Community Gardens at Springton and in Phoenixville. Garden days are hosted in the morning to get the harvesting in before it’s too hot. These opportunities are also posted on the online calendar.
There’s no obligation or ongoing commitment to volunteer. Of course, it's great when volunteers come out on a regular basis, but it’s fine if you can only sign up for one day!
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| WATER GARDEN TOUR BENEFITS
CHESTER COUNTY FOOD BANK
Brandywine Valley Water Garden Weekend Tour
July 27th-28th
The origins of the event can be traced back to 2005, when a group of approximately 30 pond enthusiasts gathered to use their interest in the elaborate water gardens built by Coatesville-based Turpin Landscaping as a vehicle for philanthropy. In 2009, upon the suggestion of Sen. Andy Dinniman, the Tour directed its efforts to supporting a newly created organization, the Chester County Food Bank. The Tour Committee has raised more than $145,000 for the Food Bank.
Self-guided tours are $45, while bus-guided tours are $75. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. One $45 ticket to the Tour will provide 17 meals through the Food Bank.
The tour includes 40 different ponds, a country barbecue, live music, and auction. The Tour offers the opportunity to visit the homes of local residents who have created beautiful waterscapes in their backyards. On Saturday evening, all the tour participants, along with all the homeowners who have opened their yards and water features in support of the event, are invited to gather at Turpin Landscaping for the barbecue and silent auction.
Details
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| MAIN LINE FOOD BANKS
Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard
191 Town Center Road
King of Prussia (inside Valley Forge Presbyterian Bldg.)
Food donation days/times:
Thursdays 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Wish list
Wayne Food Pantry
United Methodist Church
210 South Wayne Avenue, Wayne (back entrance)
Food donation drop off days/times: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – Noon
Items needed
The Great Valley Food Cupboard
945 North Valley Forge Road, Devon
Details
The Caring Cupboard
Trinity Presbyterian Church
640 Berwyn Ave, Berwyn
For hours and general information call 610-644-0932.
Church of the Good Samaritan Food Closet
212 W. Lancaster Ave, Paoli
Questions – call 610-644-4040, ext 702 or email foodcloset@good-samaritan.org
Paoli Presbyterian Church Food Closet
225 S. Valley Rd, Paoli
Call for information 610-644-8250
How Can You Help?
Inexpensive Lunch at Surrey for Area Seniors
Surrey – Devon
60 Surrey Way, Devon
610-647-6404
The Surrey Cafe in Devon offers healthy nutritious lunches to area seniors Monday – Thursday and some Fridays on a drop-in basis for $4 per person. Check the Devon calendar for the daily menu. The Surrey Cafe also has light meals available to take out. Prices for these vary, check with the Front Desk for more information. Call 610-647-9840 with any questions.
Surrey has many other programs for seniors as well.
Details
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| FURRY FRIENDS IN NEED
Brandywine Valley/Chester County SPCA
All donations, no matter how large or small, make a difference when it comes to caring for our homeless animals. Below are the items currently in need:
- Wet cat food (Pate)
- Dog treats/soft training treats
- Peanut butter
Full List Here
Delaware County SPCA
Wish List
Montgomery County SPCA
Wish List
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| West Chester’s Night in White
Helping Children with Life’s Basic Necessities
Saturday, August 24th
7:00 PM
Location TBD
If you have heard of “Diner En Blanc”, in large cities like Philadelphia or New York City, then you will quickly understand the concept. Patrons dress all in white, from head to toe, and are bought together by a love of helping others in our own neighborhoods. Guests bring their own picnic dinner and cocktails to share a fun evening with family and friends. Long tables are provided for guests with white tablecloths, fabulous live music, dancing under the stars, and memories to last a lifetime!
Details
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Since 1970, Benchmark School has been a leader in preparing bright children who learn differently to be self-advocates who take charge of their own learning and meet with success in public and independent high schools, college, and beyond.
benchmarkschool.org
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Rigorous liberal arts, college preparatory education within the context of a Christian worldview.
DC students are challenged, nurtured and known.
Schedule a personal
tour today.
dccs.org
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Two generations of sisters protect and defy the legacy of their foremothers in this riveting, funny, and ultimately hopeful comedy-drama set in West Chester, PA.
For tickets:
610.644.3500
peopleslight.org
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Blood Sweat Cheer Festival is a free family event filled with fitness, live music, kids activities, food and drink, plus a variety of local vendors.
bloodsweatcheerfestival.com
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Nearly 20 classes to choose from each week! Early Care, Lunch Bunch and Late Afternoon TEEN (12 and older) sessions available
3:15-5:15.
wayneart.org/camp
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The mission of Foote Orthodontics is to provide the highest quality care in a caring atmosphere where patients are treated with excellence clinically and personally.
OPEN IN BRYN MAWR & WAYNE
101 South Bryn Mawr Avenue
Suite 320
Bryn Mawr
110 Gallagher Road
Wayne
(610) 525-6142
footeorthodontics.com
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Healthy Meals and Fun for Lower Merion in the Summer!
Children (18 and younger) can enjoy a free lunch thanks to the Lower Merion Summer Cafe, which is now open. This program is sponsored by the Lower Merion and Narberth Community Partners, Philabundance and the Narberth Community Food Bank, with support from the Ardmore Rotary and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition to lunch, kids can enjoy free activities, games and special guests everyday!
The cafe is open from noon to
2 p.m. Monday through Thursday through August 1. Registration is not needed to use the program.
The program is open to all kids, not just Lower Merion residents or Lower Merion School District students, who are up to
18 years old.
Details
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Chestnut Hill Food Tour
July 27th
11:00 AM
Sign up for a stroll along the cobblestone streets of historic Chestnut Hill while enjoying tastes from multi-generational eateries and shops, meeting and engaging with local owners and indulging in the best flavors around. Recommended for 21+.
A portion of all sales donated to Philadelphia non-profit The Food Trust which works to create accessibility to healthful foods in Philadelphia.
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