Interfaith effort restocks shelves in annual food drive
CHESTER >> Thanks to the kindness of their neighbors, county residents facing food insecurity will be able to stock their cupboards.
Thousands of pounds of canned and fresh food items were unloaded Friday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as part of the county’s 17th annual holiday food drive. The effort was coordinated by DIFAN (Delaware County Interfaith Food Assistance Network) and Family and Community Service (FCS) of Delaware County.
“This is always such a good time of the year for this effort,” said FCS Executive Director Ron Powers. “People are more generous and there is a greater need.”
With a goal of 30,000 pounds, county employees and public and private partners donated canned goods at designated dropoff points. Suggested contributions included canned meats, boxed or canned side dishes, peanut butter, jelly, unsweetened cereal, infant formula, coffee, tea and canned vegetables, fruits and soups, especially main dish soups with meat.
Cash contributions were used to purchase perishables such as potatoes, onions and apples and bulk quantities of juice, spaghetti sauce and vegetable oil.
As the palettes were removed from the truck, staff members from the county’s Department of Human
Services, Office of Behavioral Health and Department of Intercommunity Health divided the bounty. The food was designated for The Bernadine Center, Chester Eastside, Inc. and St. Mary’s Food Cupboard (Chester), Mt. Zion CME Church Food Center (Sharon Hill) and Foundry Church (Wallingford).
As quickly as the items was distributed, they were loaded into vans and pickups from each location to reach those in need.
“Chester Eastside and the other DIFAN partners collaborate to meet the needs of the homeless and those in our communities facing difficulties,” said Executive Director Rev. Zuline Wilkinson. “This is invaluable assistance for us and demonstrates the depth of caring of others.”
A second delivery is slated for Dec. 6 at the Media Food Center to assist DIFAN outreach pantries in Collingdale, Darby, Marple, Media, Prospect Park and Upland.
For information about ways to participate, contact the Office of Behavioral Health at (610) 713-2365 or www.delcohsa.org.