Dear Friends,

 First of all, let me thank you—all of you—for all that you are doing to help feed those in need. We’ve heard from—and continue to hear from—so many different parts of our Delaware Valley community. And let me be really clear about this. It takes all of us working together in all different kinds of ways to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors struggling to put food on their table each day.

 I find myself both amazed and grateful for our community’s response. There’s a 7 year old who decided she needed to hold a Food Drive. And collected 440 pounds of food all on her own. There’s folks who are struggling themselves, but tell us they have to give to help people “worse off” than they are. So many local schools are finding creative ways to get involved and make a difference.

 More than ever, businesses are holding Food and Fund Drives. And this year, the Philadelphia Inquirer issued its challenge of “180,000 Pounds of Food in 180 Days”. SEPTA asked their employees and the riding public to “Stop Hunger at Your Station.” The Delaware Valley also benefits from corporate partnerships worked out by Feeding America. You’ll read about one inside this newsletter.

 As you probably remember, I shared our plans for our Emergency Relief Initiative with you in the last newsletter. I have to tell you that the response to these programs from the people who need help has been really positive. Having an Emergency Box to tide them over until they can get to a local food cupboard and putting fresh fruits and veggies on the table again because of Fresh For All has meant the world to so many hungry families throughout our service area.

 We’re glad we can provide that safety net to help people until they can get back on their feet. And we’re glad that you continue to partner with us to make what we do possible. 

Thanks again for all of your generosity these past few months. We look forward to continuing this work with you in the coming months. 

Sincerely,

 

William J. Clark
President and Executive Director