Community Food Pantries...

It is difficult to imagine that people go hungry in Bucks County, but the fact is almost 30% of all Americans go hungry EVERY day. No, it's not the same type of hunger we see in pictures taken in Third World countries, but it exists just the same and it is an increasing problem in the US and here in our community.

In May of 2005, the Penndel Food Pantry served 358 individuals- in May of 2008, the Penndel Food Pantry served over 2000 individuals!

In fact, in May of 2008, Housing Group served over 3000 individuals at our three community food pantries. The rising gas and food prices mean that those neighbors who struggle month-to- month can not keep food on their table without assistance. We are also seeing older folks (65 and older) who are trying to stretch a fixed income.

We need your help to keep those pantry shelves stocked for the summer, traditionally the slowest time for food donations. Maybe you can organize a food drive at your community pool, in your neighborhood or at your church. Scroll down the page for easy "how-to-run-a-food-drive" instructions. If you don't have time to run a food drive you can donate online right now. Just click on the DONATE button at the top of the page!

We realize the economy is making it tough for everyone- but the folks using our pantries are choosing between eating and putting gas in the car so they can get to work...that's a tough choice to make!

We don't want to turn anyone away and say "sorry we can't help; no food for you." Please give what you can to make a difference right here in Bucks County.

For more information about accessing the pantry, to volunteer, or donate foods please contact the Community Food Pantry nearest you: our Volunteer Coordinators are there to answer your questions!

Doylestown: Kate kbianchini@bchg.org or 215-345-1492
Penndel: Karen khouser@bchg.org or 215-750-4341
Milford Square: Karen kjenei@bchg.org or 215-529-5519

Food Pantry Hours of Operation

PENNDEL	DOYLESTOWN	MILFORD SQUARE
Monday 9:30am-12:30pm	Wednesday 5:30pm-7:30pm	Monday - Thursday 4:30pm-9:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am-12:30pm	Thursday 11am-1pm	Saturday and Sunday 5pm-7pm
Thursday 6pm-8pm	Last Sunday of each month 10am-12pm

The Community Food Pantries serve over 1600 families every month, and those numbers are growing- we need food!

The Community Food Pantries receive state and federal funding BUT we rely on the community to keep the shelves stocked.

Some of the food items we always need are:

fruit	tuna	spaghetti sauce	sugar
gravy	chunky soups	rice	coffee
microwave meals	powdered milk	cereal	salad dressing

Kid friendly foods:

spaghettios	raviolis	fruit cups	applesauce
peanut butter	grape jelly	fruit roll-ups	baby food

Food Drives are a fun and easy way to make a big contribution- here's all the info you need to get started:

Call the Community Food Pantry nearest you and speak to one of our Volunteer Coordinators

Collect containers or boxes for donated items

Designate a drop-off location for donated items

Designate a go-to person to organize it all

Design and distribute a flyer to publicize the drive

Who? Families can organize a drive, Girl and Boy Scout troops, reading clubs , just about anybody can do this... including YOU!!

When? Anytime!!! Hunger knows no season-food drives are needed all year long.

What? Plan a general drive or choose a theme: Tons o' Tuna, Veggie Blasters, Pounds of Peanut Butter, etc.

Where? Anywhere, any organization- schools, businesses, places of worship, office parks, apartment complexes, YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

Why? This type of service teaches valuable lessons about philanthropy and how a community supports each other... and its fun to help others!

For more information about accessing the pantry or to volunteer, or donate food please contact the Community Food Pantry nearest you: our Volunteer Coordinators are there to answer your questions!