Chester County’s abundance – historically, commercially, agriculturally, educationally, etc. – makes it one of the wealthiest counties in America and such a great place to live.

However, “laced amongst this landscape is uncertainty,” as illustrated in A Fresh Approach, a new short documentary on the mission and work of the Chester County Food Bank. “How will I feed my child tonight? What should I do at the end of the month: buy groceries or my prescriptions?”

This uncertainty lives with more than 50,000 of our neighbors.

The Food Bank unveiled this 10-minute video on Friday night at The Desmond Hotel, during the nonprofit’s fifth annual Champions Against Hunger dinner. (The video was produced by Rick Davis of Savvy Productions in West Chester, while the voiceover was provided by Sianna McKinley of Downingtown.)

The event has raised approximately $1.8 million for the Food Bank and its mission to mobilize the community to ensure access to real, healthy food. These funds enable the Food Bank to continue its mission of serving more than 120 food cupboards, shelters, and organizations throughout Chester County.

Exton’s Bentley Systems and Bob McNeil, the founding chairman of the Food Bank, and his wife Jennifer were the presenting sponsors, as was Vermeil Wines, the label of former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil. Citadel and the Cabot-Kjellerup Foundation were platinum sponsors.

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Before each dinner course, Vermeil, who won a Super Bowl as coach of the St. Louis Rams and who now lives in East Fallowfield, introduced the wine while the Desmond’s executive chef, Chris Calhoun, did the honors for the specially prepared menu.

The Chester County Food Bank began just eight years ago in a two-car garage in Parkesburg, with a driver and a truck. Now, it’s housed in a 36,000-square-foot facility in Exton.

It secures food through donations, state and federal food assistance programs, and by purchasing it with grant monies.

The Food Bank’s growth throughout this decade is a testament to all of its volunteers and corporate sponsors. Volunteers provide thousands of hours of support every year, ranging from processing fresh produce in the Food Bank’s kitchens to digging in at its local farm partners.

The Food Bank’s member agencies – which range from pantries and shelters to faith-based organizations and schools – help to distribute food directly to those in need, thus ensuring that the Food Bank is able to quickly and efficiently get food into the hands of those struggling with hunger and food insecurity.

“Eighty percent of our families say they do not know where their next meal is coming from,” said Judy Dougherty, the Director of the Octorara Area Food Cupboard. “Without getting food from the Chester County Food Bank, we’d really be in trouble.”

Click here to donate or learn more about other ways to give to the Chester County Food Bank.

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