COVID-19 food relief effort to be held in Oaks

NORRISTOWN » The final COVID-19 food relief effort facilitated by Montgomery County will be held Thursday at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Upper Providence.

“This is a no-cost food distribution opportunity. Anyone in need is welcome,” said county Commissioners’ Chairwoman Valerie Arkoosh. “This program is designed to support both our Pennsylvania farmers and our

Montgomery County residents who are in need.”

The drive-thru food distribution event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or as long as supplies last at the expo center located along Station Avenue in the Oaks section of the township. The center is situated off Route 422.

Distribution is limited to 1,500 vehicles on a first-come, firstserved basis. Each vehicle will receive two boxes of food, regardless of household size, officials said. No identification is required.

This week, 1,500 boxes of mixed dairy foods and 1,500 boxes of mixed fruit will be distributed to the 1,500 people who show up in their vehicles.

“This week, we will also have a limited supply of dog and cat food, also at no cost,” Arkoosh added.

Participants must arrive with their vehicles’ windows rolled up and stay inside the vehicles. Drivers will be directed to open their trunks and volunteers will place the food boxes inside in a contactless manner.

“This is a no contact food distribution. All participants will be asked to stay in their vehicles and follow prompts from the volunteers,” Arkoosh said.

The food relief effort is coordinated by the Montco AntiHunger Network, in conjunction with Feeding Pennsylvania and Philabundance. The event is coordinated by the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety.

Officials said the program provides another resource of free food for families suffering economic losses and vulnerable seniors impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

“Any food not distributed will be disbursed to local food banks in Montgomery County,” Arkoosh said.

The food is being provided at no cost through the U. S. Department of Agriculture Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

More information about the food distribution can be found at www.MontcoAntiHunger.org

The county facilitated previous food distribution events at the expo center and at the Willow Grove Park Mall off Moreland Road.