Ardmore Food Pantry
Meeting a real but often hidden problem
Hunger is a real but often hidden problem in our community. Around the Delaware Valley more and more people are seeking help from food banks, shelters and emergency kitchens due to loss of employment, reduction in work hours, rising food costs and/or elimination of benefits. The USDA reports that in the United States more than 36.2 million people, including 12.4 million children live in “food insecure” households – meaning they don’t have dependable, consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious foods to maintain good health. Philabundance estimates that 900,000 people in the Delaware Valley are at risk of hunger and that number continues to grow.
For the past several years, St. Mary’s had a small emergency food pantry that operated out of the parish office. On October 5, 2009 the Food Pantry moved to a dedicated space in the parish hall and expanded its services, which are staffed by parish and community volunteers. Hours of operation are Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Food preparation ideas and simple, healthy recipes are included with the food items each recipient receives. In addition, volunteers provide information and assistance to those who may not know if they are eligible for food stamps (SNAP –Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or the WIC program (Women, Infant and Children Assistance).
Working with area community groups and congregations of all faiths is vital to the Food Pantry’s success. Volunteers are needed to help staff the Food Pantry, collect food items, donate to the Spare Change-Spare Hunger fund, and to organizing events benefitting the Food Pantry. If you, your congregation or your community group is interested in developing these relationships, please contact Mike Finney at mfinney@stmarysardmore.org.
For general questions or more information about St. Mary's Food Pantry, please contact Ruth Johnson at chefrab@aol.com.
For general questions or more information about St. Mary's Food Pantry, please contact Ruth Johnson at chefrab@aol.com.
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