How To Help Local Food Banks Fight Food Insecurity

Food Bank

Many families who have reliably had enough, do not have enough now. Food insecurity is breaking new records, leaving the highest numbers of families hungry since the Great Depression. People of all socio-economic backgrounds are now regulars in food distribution lines. Many are turning to food banks for the first time and never expected to be there. 

If you have the time to volunteer or you are experiencing food insecurity, or both, listed below are established organizations that are working feverishly to feed those in need and that would love to have you volunteer for sorting, distributing or driving food to those with the need but without the ability to wait in line. If you and your family are in a position to help, it is a great time to get involved with food banks. This is the perfect  opportunity to gently teach children about giving and helping others. 

If your preference is to help by donating non-perishable goods for distribution, please use the links provided to find the closest place you can deposit your food donation and the top 10 most needed dry goods. There are volunteer opportunities for individuals, families and organizations, weekdays and weekends. Get your kids involved by organizing a neighborhood food drive – they can create a flier and set up a box for neighbors to drop off items for local food banks. It is a way to truly make a difference in your community and an easy way to demonstrate the value of helping others. 

For Questions and Help, email thestarfishprojectforchildren@gmail.com

As needs and hours change frequently, please contact each location for the most up-to-date information. For a list of the typically most needed items,  click here.

Food Bank Resources:

Please note this is just a partial list. Click here for a list of food pantries in Montgomery County. You can also search at Philabundance here.

Ardmore Food Pantry, 36 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore

Chester County Food Bank, 640 Pennsylvania Ave., Exton 

Colonial Neighborhood Council, 107 E. 4th Ave., Conshohocken 

Elder Net of Lower Merion  9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr

Feeding America, nationwide, offers helpful tips on organizing food drives in your area

Fiorenza’s Food for Friends Downingtown

Jewish Relief Agency (JRA), 225 E. City Ave., Bala Cynwyd

LifeWerks 28 Walnut Rd., Wallingford

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry 703 Lincoln Ave., Prospect Park

Lord’s Pantry 141 E Lancaster Ave., Downingtown

Martha’s Choice Marketplace 353 E Johnson Highway, Norristown

Mattie Dixon Community Cupboard, 150 North Main Street, Ambler/North Hills

Media Food Bank, 350 W. State St., Media

Montgomery County Anti-Hunger Network, Pottstown Click here to Volunteer

Narberth Community Food Bank 201 Sabine Ave., Narberth

People’s Pantry 384 Lancaster Ave., Malvern

Philabundance, Philadelphia 

Phoenixville Area Community Services, Phoenixville 

Share, Philadelphia

St. Denis Food Pantry 1216 Myrtlewood Ave., Havertown

The Rachel Way, Gluten and Dairy-free Virtual Pantry 

Trinity Presbyterian Food Pantry 640 Berwyn Ave., Berwyn

Upper Darby Food Bank, Upper Darby

Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard 227 Independence Rd., King of Prussia

Wayne Food Pantry 210 S. Wayne Ave. Wayne, PA

West Chester Food Cupboard, 431 S. Bolmar St., West Chester