Coatesville Salvation Army Opens New Pantry to the Public

June 8, 2026 3:11 pm Published by Anna Luchetti

The Chester County Food Bank is proud to partner with the Coatesville Salvation Army to expand access to nutritious food for Coatesville residents. This meaningful community partnership was made possible through the generous support of the Robert D. McNeil Fund of the Chester County Food Bank.

Through this project, the Food Bank contributed more than $70,000 in equipment, labor, and product, helped establish a satellite distribution location by providing a rent stipend, and continues to supply nearly 2,000 pounds of food each week. These investments will enable the Coatesville Salvation Army pantry to expand its operating hours to four days per week, creating greater access to food and support services for local neighbors.

“The expansion of the Coatesville Salvation Army pantry is a wonderful example of a successful community collaboration and partnership.” Chester County Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Andrea Youndt shares. “Chester County Food Bank has been working to identify a partner in Coatesville interested in operating multiple days and times per week to serve the Coatesville community through a choice pantry model. We were able to provide the refrigeration, freezer, and increased shelving through the Robert D. McNeil fund at the Chester County Food Bank to ensure greater access to nutritious and familiar food for our neighbors, a win-win!”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this past week to celebrate the expansion and the collaboration that made it possible. Community members, Salvation Army and Chester County Food Bank staff, CCFB Board Members, Representative Dan Williams, and other local officials gathered to mark this important milestone.

Officers of the Coatesville Salvation Army for over five years, Captains David and Lilia Soria have strived to establish their branch of the Salvation Army as a place that provides dignity and a welcoming environment for all neighbors in need of food assistance and support.

Through the partnership with the CCFB team, the pantry was completed with feedback from the local community.

“The supermarket style pantry created in partnership with the Chester County Food Bank provides fresh food to residents with dignity, choice, and care,”the Soria’s shared in a recent post to social media.

The Chester County Food Bank is grateful for our continued partnership with the Coatesville Salvation Army.