Just two days prior to his inauguration, President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, along with their children and grandchildren, joined Philabundance staff and volunteers in paying tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the spirit of volunteerism and public service for which he stood. We were honored to have the Biden family work alongside us, to learn how Philabundance works, learn about our accomplishments and the challenges we will face in the coming years.

Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot also was onsite to help with packing boxes of food that would later be distributed throughout Philadelphia and Delaware County. It was an extraordinary moment we won’t soon forget.

Martin Luther King Day is always a day of service, not only at Philabundance, but throughout our region. Ordinary Philadelphians participated in a wide range of public service projects. This MLK day was special. Along with the President of the United States, we paused to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. King, and reflect on the lessons he taught us: Equality and justice for all.

We still have much to do. This COVID crisis has just increased a need that was already there and brought so many new people to need food pantries, cupboards, and emergency kitchens. Recovery for our communities from this pandemic will be long and we will need continued and expanded support from government and others to keep people fed.