Released: August 9, 2021
In a concerted effort to combat hunger and food insecurity, Delaware County Council approved a five-year contract with Share Food Program on July 21 to manage the charitable food system within the county. Through the new collaboration, Share—a nonprofit, the largest food bank and hunger relief organization in the region, and the largest independent food bank in the country—will become the County’s lead agency for state and federal food distribution and will serve as the headquarter for the County’s food pantry network.
With this expanded role within Delaware County, Share will be able to leverage its array of partnerships (nearly 800 schools and more than 350 pantries across the region), experience, and resources to address the crucial nutritional demands of individuals and families in Delaware County and to focus on its mission to eradicate food insecurity in the region through improved food distribution, education, and advocacy.
“Thank you to the team at Share for what you’ve been doing to help our community. Your work is vital,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Dr. Monica Taylor during the July 21st meeting, in which Share presented its plan. “Sadly, some Delaware County families face food insecurity and the pandemic has exacerbated the problem. This partnership will allow the County to help more families by providing nutritious food, education, and other resources.”
In the midst of a historic response during the pandemic, Share Food Program saw the need to further diversify its food supply, reach, and partnerships.
"Our physical expansion into Delaware County is another critical step in a series of many that Share Food Program has been taking in its mission to make food more readily—and reliably—available to those who need it most,” said George Matysik, Executive Director of Share Food Program. “We’re grateful for this new partnership with Delaware County, and are especially excited for the enduring impact we know this will have in the fight to feed more people.”
“Share Food Program is excited to build on the ideas that this County Council has developed, ensuring greater access to food in every community within Delaware County,” said Ellie Crowell, Delaware County Program Director for Share Food Program. “Delaware County’s food pantry network has been doing the work for a long time, and we’re happy for the opportunity to expand on their commitment to feeding the community by giving them the additional resources they need to move forward.”
As part of the collaborative agreement, Delaware County will assist Share in the purchase of a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Ridley Township. Once renovations are completed, the warehouse will be operated and managed by Share Food Program and, alongside its partner pantries, will serve upwards of 50,000 Delaware County residents. Share plans to celebrate with a grand opening later this fall. For more information about Share Food Program, please visit sharefoodprogram.org, or connect with Share on Twitter or Instagram at @ShareFoodPhilly.