Summer should be a time for fun in the sun, barbecues, and vacations. However, for over 18,000 students in Chester County, summer means the uncertainty of a daily meal since school is out of session. The Chester County Food Bank is desperately low on food donations. Donations are critical to helping the food bank serve its network throughout Chester County. 

The food bank is asking for help to combat summer food scarcity for students and families. When children are not in school during the summer months, they lose their access to free breakfast and lunches. They turn to their local food cupboards for help. Please consider hosting a food or fund drive within your school, church, neighborhood, or employer during the month of June to keep Chester County kids fed during these summer months.

Food Drives are a powerful connector for the communities that it serves. The items from your food drive will be sent to the network of more than 160 member agencies and organizations, such as food cupboards, meal sites, and direct service partners.  Your donation will help feed neighbors in the community who are struggling to put food on the table. When possible, please donate items that are whole grain, no/low sugar/sodium and without high fructose corn syrup. The food bank also asks that you not donate expired food items or items in glass jars. Check out the food drive toolkit for how to get started and to register your food drive.

Transportation is a significant cost for the Chester County Food Bank, and it is challenging to arrange food drive pick-ups around daily scheduled food deliveries to member agencies. They encourage you to bring your donation directly to CCFB located at 650 Pennsylvania Drive in Exton.

Virtual Food and Fund Drives are equally as important to the mission to ensure access to real, healthy food and are used to leverage bulk buying power. Increase the impact of your food drive by supplementing your food collection with a fund drive. Virtual Food Drives are also a great (and easy) way to make an impact, even if you have a busy summer or work with a remote team. Get started with your Virtual Food Drive here.

With your help, the food bank can ensure access to real, healthy food for children and families in our community. Every donation matters, and you can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Together, everyone can keep hunger at bay this summer.

Learn more at the Chester County Food Bank.