November 20, 2008

Philabundance Filling Need for Hungry

Source: Gloucester County Times

By: Jessica Driscoll

GLASSBORO Philabundance has opened a distribution site in the borough which provides fresh produce to families in need.

"We have more than 250 families registered here now, up from 140 families when we first began two weeks ago," said Fresh for All program manager Kelly Hile. "We mostly distribute fresh fruits and vegetables but we also supplement with crackers or cans of soup depending on the week. Because of the economic situation everybody is hurting and often one of the first things to be cut from the budget is fresh produce.

Fresh for All launched in Woodlyn, Pa. in December 2007 and now operates out of six sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In Glassboro, Fresh for All distributions are held on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the VFW on Wilmer Street.

The program provides five pounds

of food for every person in a household each week and serves approximately 1,100 households comprised of 2,800 individuals. In total, Fresh for All distributes more than 18,000 pounds each week and has distributed 340,000 pounds of food so far.

Philabundance partnered with the Glassboro VFW and City Harvest Outreach Church to establish this location and recruit volunteers and community outreach assistance.

"This week we have red cabbage, yellow squash, bok choy, bananas, cantaloupes and also cans of soup," said Hile as she stood outside the VFW where a line of people holding bags and boxes reached the street. "What we offer depends on what donations we receive from corporations, food drives and individuals. Volunteers tell people how many of each item they can take."

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food prices rose four percent in 2007 and are expected to increase an additional four percent in 2008. Philabundance estimates that there are approximately 900,000 people in the Delaware Valley that need help with food. And as more people than ever are seeking help, organizations like Philabundance are experiencing a decrease in donations.

"For some people in need, it's a decision between paying the heating bill and buying fresh vegetables and people realize they need heat to live," said Hile. "And we are always in need of volunteers who can work at locations like these to unload, distribute and help people carry food to their cars as well as any donations of fresh or packaged goods."

As her six-year-old niece, Alyssa Akins chose a bunch of bananas to bring home, Anabel Beniquez said the price of fresh produce had just grown too high to afford.

"Something like this is important so that everyone has the chance to eat healthy," she said.

Contact Jessica Driscoll at jdriscoll@sjnewsco.com

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