https://vimeo.com/236012802
The West Chester Food Cupboard recently moved to its new location on October 1st — and you’re invited to stop by or volunteer. Now located at 431 South Bolmar Street, the Food Cupboard hopes that its presence in downtown West Chester will strengthen the local community as it invites civilians and families in need to take the food they have to offer, from canned goods to fruits and vegetables. The non-profit organization, founded in 2009, currently provides nearly 600 households a month with food and personal care items.
On October 1st, United States Representative Ryan Costello and State Representatives Carolyn Comitta and Duane Milne helped celebrate the re-opening by cutting the ceremonial ribbon, along with other board members present. Staff members believe the cupboard’s re-opening will help assuage the fight against hunger, which is continuing to be a challenge among communities.
In a press release given by the West Chester Food Cupboard, Fiona Allison, a board member with the West Chester Food Cupboard, stated:
“Research shows that more than one in 10 adults and children suffer each day with food insecurity in our region — meaning that at times, these people lack access to enough food for the active, healthy lifestyle we’re all entitled to. More than 1,200 local households are registered to receive food from our organization, and this past year, we distributed 950,000 pounds of food. With our new location, we aim to increase our efforts through the generous support of our community and volunteers.”
Emily Denney, a food cupboard volunteer, stated why her work with the West Chester Food Cupboard is so meaningful.
“As a newer volunteer, it means a great deal to be able to give back, in my small way, to our community,” she stated. “As a mother of three and a resident of West Chester, it breaks my heart to think that one in 10 children go to bed hungry in our region. As a community, we can’t stand for that. The WCFC is working to ensure no one goes hungry, and knowing that I am helping them to do that means I am doing my part!”
Other WCFC volunteers expressed why their work here means so much to them.
“Hunger…it’s hard to imagine not having enough food but so many people right here in West Chester face that problem. The West Chester Food Cupboard (WCFC) offers a real way to help families right here in our local community. Families come to the cupboard in need of food and they leave with enough groceries to hopefully tide them over. The WCFC is 100% volunteer-run. There is no paid staff. All financial donations are used to purchase food and personal care items and operate the cupboard. Everything is done by volunteers who care about helping local families not be hungry. The WCFC is a pretty amazing place when you stop and think about the number of people we help and the amount of food we are able to distribute” – Susan Carson Petrick
Volunteering at the West Chester Food Cupboard is so fulfilling because I know that we are directly helping the people that need it most. Our clients are so appreciative and I know we are making a tangible difference in their lives” – Jen Scheuer
Visit the West Chester Food Cupboard website for more information on their mission and how you can get involved.