Many families who have reliably had enough food, 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.
As needs and hours change frequently, please contact each location for the most up-to-date information.
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 650 Pennsylvania Dr.., Exton
Colonial Neighborhood Council 107 E. 4th Ave., Conshohocken
Elder Net of Lower Merion 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr
Family Promise Food Pantry Salem Baptist Church- 2801 Woodland Rd., Roslyn
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
Media Food Bank, 350 W. State St., Media
Montgomery County Anti-Hunger Network, Lansdale
Narberth Community Food Bank 201 Sabine Ave., Narberth
People’s Pantry 384 Lancaster Ave., Malvern
Philabundance, Philadelphia
Phoenixville Area Community Services, 101 Buchanan St., Phoenixville
Share, 2901 W. Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia
St. James UCC 135 Myrtle Ave., Havertown
Trinity Presbyterian Food Pantry 640 Berwyn Ave., Berwyn
Upper Darby Food Bank, 7766 Wayne Ave., Upper Darby
Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard 191 Town Center Rd., King of Prussia
Wayne Food Pantry 210 S. Wayne Ave. Wayne, PA
West Chester Food Cupboard, 431 S. Bolmar St., West Chester
Willow Grove Baptist Church 3600 Welsh Rd., Willow Grove