More than 280 families receive turkey dinner from food pantry
‘Volunteer outpouring has been outstanding,’ plus contributions from groups like American Legion, Brownie troops, individuals and corporations
More than 280 families received a turkey dinner and supplies on Dec. 12 from the Honey Brook Food Pantry.
“Families seeking assistance from us have reached their highest levels over the past three distributions. In November, 240 families and nearly 800 people sought help,” said Ken Ross, pantry chair.
On Dec. 9, 150 families and 460 people were served, including 180 children. Also, 40 new families have been registered during each of the last three months.
“Although there are many factors contributing to the continued need for food support, a 23 percent decline in median income since 2009 is certainly an important one. Honey Brook Township is one of the leading wage declining areas in the Pennsylvania suburbs, according to the American Community Survey (ACS),” reported Ross.
Ross said there are several important roles that the food pantry serves.
“But most important is the simple function of providing food for those who are eligible and in need of food support, whether regularly or during short term periods of need. Having a regular, dependable source of help is most critical,” said Ross. “The pantry has provided help, raised awareness of hunger in the community, developed a special program for kids and one for seniors, provided volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals both young and old, exposed a problem that historically remains hidden.”
The community also has helped the pantry.
“The community has attended fund raisers, volunteer outpouring has been outstanding, contributions from groups like American Legion, Brownie troops, individuals and corpora- tions,” said Ross.
The pantry continues to need help from the community.
“People can donate food, money and time. They can make neighbors in need aware of the service,” he said.
The pantry’s mission is the following, “To respectfully serve area residents in need while empowering them toward food security and independence, doesn’t encourage permanent dependence for support for those who can become more independent and we plan to offer more and more help to reach that level of independence. Support such as employment and training information, food growing programs, and more.”
Ross would like talk to more groups about what Honey Brook Food Pantry does. “Wherever there is interest or openness to discussing our mission and hunger in the Honey Brook area.”
Ross reported in the pantry’s December update
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some recent developments with the pantry.
Kid’s Program
“Through the contributions of a coalition of local employers, we began a supplemental food program for 15 families from the Twin Valley Elementary Center who are in greatest need,” said Ross.
There are 46 children receiving bi-weekly healthy foods packed for them on Friday to support them over the weekend.
Two of the pantry’s lead volunteers Heidi Canfield and Patti Frank have taken over the operation of the program. Ross anticpates that quite likely several more families from the Honey Brook Elementary Center will be added in January, possibly additional 12 children.
Donations
“Our relationship with the Morgantown Walmart location continues to flourish. Nearly 15,000 pounds of food was donated on Dec. 9 and our friends at R-V Industries Inc. have greatly assisted the delivery process through their local
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transportation staff,” said Ross. “This donation has been optimized by a grant we recently received from Philabundance for an additional commercial freezer.”
The Chester County Food Bank and Lord’s Pantry of Downingtown both continue their critical assistance, he said.
The egg program, supported by a significant donation from Sauder’s Eggs, is a key component of the food assortment. BB’s Grocery Outlet supports food purchases with a large quarterly donation of food vouchers and has committed to continuing that program through 2016, he said.
For more information, visit the Honey Brook Food Pantry Facebook page and online at www.honeybrookfoodpantry.org to learn more about our sponsors and how to provide assistance, which is so critical to sustain food levels that match the continued need.
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