As the 2019 holidays approach social service agencies are gearing up to assist those facing hunger in Delaware County. Agencies are also concentrating on food insecurities for local families.
As part of a mission to help feed families in need, Delaware County kicked off the annual Holiday Food Drive on Oct. 1, marking its 17th anniversary. Delaware County Council and the County’s Department of Human Services are once again collaborating with Magellan Behavioral Health of PA to collect non-perishable food items to distribute to families in need.
County Council and the County’s Department of Human Services staff have partnered with Magellan for the past 17 years to coordinate the food drive. Last year the County delivered 30,034 lbs. of food, which is the second-highest collection total. Donations were made by County employees, the public and partner donors including TD Bank, Wawa, and Fox & Roach Trident Mortgage. This year the collection goal continues to be 30,000 lbs. of food.
Members of the public and business community are invited to join County employees in placing non-perishable food items in collection boxes, which are located in the Government Center lobby, outside of the Sheriff’s office in the Courthouse, the Fronefield Building, Fair Acres main lobby, the 911 Center, the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), Children and Youth Services (CYS) offices in Eddystone, the Human Services office in Upper Darby and many local libraries. This year, donations will be delivered on Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 to a Delaware County Interfaith Assistance Network (DIFAN) food pantry and distributed to families across the county.
Family and Community Service of Delaware County (FCS) and DIFAN suggest donating canned meats (chicken, tuna, ham), boxed or canned side dishes (rice, potatoes, pasta) peanut butter, jelly, unsweetened cereal, infant formula, coffee, tea, canned vegetables (tomatoes, beans, corn), and canned fruits and soups, especially main dish soups with meat.
Individuals who want to make donations or families who want information about the DIFAN food pantries can call FCS at (610) 566-7540. For more information about how you can participate in the 2019 Holiday Food Drive contact OBH at (610) 713-2365 or online: www.delcohsa.org