Chester County Food Bank Meets with Community Food Providers

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Chester County Food Bank
Phoebe Kitson-Davis, Program Manager at the Chester County Food Bank, addresses Chester County Food Providers.

On Wednesday, October 12th the Chester County Food Bank hosted its quarterly food provider meeting at its headquarters in Exton, PA.

Representatives from food pantries, shelters, and service agencies who serve the more than 50,000 people struggling with food insecurity in Chester County were in attendance.

Food provider meetings allow the dedicated volunteers and local community action agencies to share best practices and discuss common concerns.

Topics included federal and state food programs, fresh produce updates, nutrition education program opportunities, upcoming holiday food distribution and best practices for helping those most in need in our county.

Highlights of the meeting included the introduction of the new West Chester University Resource Pantry designed to assist the current students who are experiencing homelessness and those who are attending college while living at the poverty level or below. It aims to provide food, work attire and school supplies that often keep a student from success.

Rachel Stevenson, President of LGBT Equality Alliance, spoke to the group about at-risk individuals within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in Chester County.

There are an estimated 30,000 LGBT residents across the county. LGBT residents in need are often reluctant to reach out for support for a variety of reasons, placing them at increased risk of starvation, suicide, and health disparities. Meeting attendees learned that nearly 30% of homeless youth and 20-30% of homeless people are LGBT.

The Food Bank recently partnered with OUTWORD.Today and LGBT Equality Alliance to begin addressing the food needs of the LGBT community in the region.

These food pantries, shelters and service agencies assist our neighbors from Oxford to Pottstown – Berwyn to Atglen. Support from local businesses is always welcome.

To find a food provider or hot meal site visit, click here.

To learn more about the Food Bank, click here.

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