As the 2018 holidays approach social service agencies are gearing up to assist all those facing hunger in Delaware County. This year agencies are also concentrating on “food insecurities” for local families.
In recognition of the need to help feed families in need, Delaware County Council kicked off the annual Holiday Food Drive on Oct. 1, marking its 16th anniversary. County Council and the County’s Department of Human Services will once again collaborate with Magellan Behavioral Health of PA to collect non-perishable food items to distribute to families in need.
County Council and the County’s Department of Human Services staff have partnered with Magellan for the past 16 years to coordinate the food drive. In 2015, the Food Drive hit an all-time record of 33,685 lbs. of food. Last year the County delivered 26,659 lbs. of food which included 1,100 lbs. collected by SAP in Newtown Square, the first non-behavioral health agency to collect food for the drive. The food was delivered to three sites with many other food pantries sharing in the deliveries. TD Bank made a substantial cash donation. This year the collection goal continues to be 30,000 pounds of food.
Providers involved with local food assistance programs continue to report an increasing demand for donations during these challenging economic times. Members of the public and business community are invited to join County employees in placing donations in collection boxes, which are placed in the Government Center lobby, outside the Sheriff’s office in the Courthouse, the Fronefield Building, Fair Acres main lobby, The Delaware County Detention Center, the 911 Center, the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) Children and Youth Services (CYS) offices in Eddystone, the Human Services offices along with many local libraries.
This year, donations will be delivered on Nov. 2 to the food pantry at St. Paul’s in Chester and on Dec. 7 to the First United Methodist in Media.
Family and Community Service of Delaware County (FCS) and DIFAN suggest donating canned meats (chicken, tuna, ham), boxed or canned side dishes (rice, potatoes, pasta) peanut butter, jelly, unsweetened cereal, infant formula, coffee, tea, canned vegetables (tomatoes, beans, corn), and canned fruits and soups, especially main dish soups with meat.
Individuals who want to make donations or families who want information about the DIFAN food pantries can call FCS at (610) 566-7540. For more information about how you can participate in the 2018 Holiday Food Drive contact OBH at (610) 713-2365. You can find more information on the website: www.delcohsa.org