Feeding Families Through Government Programs
At the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB), our mission is to feed as many people as possible. We do this through different channels, like our Fresh2You mobile market, and through partnerships, such as Meals on Wheels. In addition, we also rely on two key government programs to help us fulfill our mission.
Since our opening day in November 2009, the CCFB has received funds through grants from the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP), enabling us to purchase food for the 34 agencies we support with government programs throughout the county. In 2016, we received over $300,000 from the SFPP, for which we were very grateful, especially considering that not every state has an SFPP program.
Recently, we’ve begun to survey those 34 agencies to see which items they are most in need of, and to try to supply them through SFPP funds. The CCFB also delivers all food directly to our agencies, saving them both time and costs. We aim to serve our community as efficiently and conveniently as possible.
We also receive funding through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal program in place to supplement the diets of low-income citizens. The CCFB uses those funds to source local fresh and frozen foods, including produce such as apples, carrots, squash, beans and sweet potatoes, as well as eggs, shelf-stable milks, cheese, canned goods, dry goods and frozen meats and fish.
These resources make a huge different in the lives of the recipients. Throughout the county, our food providers tell us stories about how the individuals and families who receive food from the Food Bank and through their local cupboard has helped them to survive. Phoebe Kitson-Davis, our Director for Agency and Community Partnerships, recalls one recurring example:
“Seniors have shown me their budget for the month, and at the end they have $4 left for stamps, cards and sundries—which are important to seniors. We are able to register them up for TEFAP, SFPP and our Senior Food Box Program at their local cupboard so they have a few extra dollars to send cards to their grandchildren and friends.”
Want to learn more? Sign up for our newsletter and stay connected. You can also donate food, funds and time to help us achieve our mission. Call (610) 873-6000 to speak to someone about getting involved or requesting a tour. Thanks to you, we’re growing a healthier community.
The Chester County Food Bank is the central hunger relief organization serving more than 120 food cupboards, meal sites and social service organizations throughout Chester County. We take a steadfast approach to provide food and build support in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among our community.
Photos: Ed Williams (top), Chester County Food Bank