Robert D. McNeil, the founding board chairman of the Chester County Food Bank has never advertised his many philanthropic efforts, but they have not gone unnoticed by people who need assistance the most, writes Kathleen Brady Shea for Chadds Ford Live.

“There is no ego in Bob McNeil,” said Ted Beringer, McNeil’s business associate. “What he has done for the community is immeasurable.”

In an interview with Chadds Ford Live, McNeil talks about his life, work, and philanthropic efforts, focusing primarily on his years with the Food Bank.  

A successful real-estate magnate, McNeil started his philanthropic career decades ago. He has played a key role in numerous nonprofits including Community Volunteers in Medicine in West Goshen Township, La Comunidad Hispana in Kennett Square, Bridge of Hope in Exton, as well as Handi-Crafters Inc. in Thorndale and attributes his philanthropic traits to his family.

“My parents never discussed it,” he said. “They just did it, and I watched them in action.”

Best known as the face of the Chester County Food Bank, which he helped grow from a $75,000-a-year organization to the $2 million-plus food supplier it is today, McNeil decided to leave the board in May after finalizing a strategic plan for the organization’s future.

Health was also a factor in his departure as McNeil has been battling cancer and other health issues. However, while he will focus more on taking care of himself, he is already planning on finding another nonprofit to help out.

“It was time to pass the baton and have other people step up and accept responsibility,” said McNeil. “I’m leaving it in a really good place. We have zero debt, and a strong board and great staff.”

Read the entire interview at Chadds Ford Live here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of Chester County Food Bank here.