With the recent spread of coronavirus in the U.S. and daily changes in its status in our area, we are committed to adopting new policies and practices to ensure the good health and safety of our clients, partners, volunteers, staff and supporters as we drive hunger from our communities today and end hunger for good.
As schools and workplaces close and people are urged to limit public interactions, the nearly 700,000 people typically facing hunger in our area may experience even greater food insecurity — and more become food insecure — as access is cut off to school meals, seniors are unable to collect their monthly food boxes and those with compromised immune systems opt not to go out in the public.
UPDATE: April 29
The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way everyone does business, and the Philabundance Community Kitchen (PCK) is no different. Our day to day operations have certainly changed over the past few weeks, but we are still here for our city, neighbors and you! Learn more about what we’ve been up to here.
UPDATE: April 03
We Are Berry Thankful
Philabundance is so thankful to the amazing outreach we have received from concerned neighbors, donors and partners. During this unique period of history, we are proud that our mission to feed the Delaware Valley is able to continue through the COVID-19 crisis even as the need for food increases. We are grateful.
COVID-19 has forced us to change the types of food we’re distributing, and the way we work. We continue to supply our partners in our nine-county service area, and we are providing additional support for a city-wide emergency food distribution effort to meet the high need in Philadelphia. We’ve purchased several truckloads of shelf-stable pantry items, meal kits that provide up to eight meals per box, and we have increased our distribution schedule to meet demand.
Our workforce development program and production kitchen, Philabundance Community Kitchen, continues to operate as well. We are also very fortunate to have been granted a waiver so that construction can continue on the new facility for PCK and we hope to open in the fall.
Through all of this, everyone at Philabundance is honored by the generosity of so many loyal and first-time donors and partners. Special thanks to the Ertz Family Foundation and the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for their challenge on Go Fund Me. These donations are indeed important and go a long way toward helping us meet the demand for services we’re experiencing. However, all donors make a difference at Philabundance, from eight-year old Sidney, who emptied her piggy bank to send us $5, to the woman who told us she only had $4 to give and asked if we would take such a relatively small amount, to the elderly doctor who asked to make a donation in honor of his live-in caregiver, who had been a Philabundance volunteer before committing to care for him full time. We are honored by every single gift.
We will continue to provide you with regular updates in the coming weeks, but if you have a question or would like to get involved, please visit our COVID-19 Resources and Information.
UPDATE: March 26
Philabundance will be closed and operations cease on Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27 out of an abundance of caution for its staff, volunteers and the public. At this time, no staff have tested positive for Coronavirus or suspect that they might have it.
On Wednesday, March 25, a staff member informed administration about having come into contact with someone 11 days ago who has now tested positive for Coronavirus; the staff member has no symptoms of the virus and has placed themselves under quarantine. The same day, a second employee informed administration that someone in their household has a fever. This staff member has exhibited no symptoms and has also placed themselves under quarantine.
Both warehouses, including the South Philly location on Galloway Street and the North Philadelphia location on Berks Street, will be closed for two days to undergo a specialized cleaning regimen. The closure will cause a delay in food delivery.
We anticipate re-opening on Monday, March 30 and resuming emergency food distributions immediately.
UPDATE: March 17
Yesterday, Philabundance was named an essential agency that will remain open during the emergency. As of today, we are in dire need of volunteers to help us pack emergency food. Those who are healthy and willing to adhere to CDC safety guidelines, please sign up for a shift on our volunteer portal.
For people looking for food assistance, visit auntbertha.com. Please call any agency to which you’re referred to ensure they are still open before visiting that location. If you live in Philadelphia and have children attending school, you can visit one of 30 meals sites to pick up breakfast and lunch.
During this time, there are a variety of ways aside from volunteering to help support our work:
Donate money: Philabundance will purchase prepackaged boxes for clients, as well as cleaning products, boxes, and other supplies our agencies need.
Donate surplus food: If you own a business that will be temporarily closed and have food available, please consider donating it to us. Contact sustainability@philabundance.org for more information.
Prepare grab ‘n go meals: Businesses who have the capacity can also help by preparing grab ‘n go meals for individuals in need. Meals can be donated directly to an agency or a distribution meal site.
We’ll continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: March 13
Currently, Philabundance has not altered its operations, but we are researching emergency food options to be able to bring additional food aid if needed and in case of disruption to our operations or the operations of our food distribution partners.
Those in need of food can visit auntbertha.com to learn about available food options near you. REMINDER: Please call the food provider you’re planning to visit ahead of time to ensure they’re open as scheduled.
Those who would like to help your neighbors in need, every $1 donation can help provide 2 meals of emergency food for those whose lives are disrupted by the Coronavirus. Donate now.
