Epsteins Let Passions Fuel Hunger Relief

In his business ventures, his philanthropic interests — and even his hobbies — Gene Epstein’s passion is undeniable. But, above all else, it’s his desire to help others that provides him the greatest sense of purpose.

“I’ve always believed it’s imperative to do whatever you can to help others,” says Gene. “That’s why I’m doing everything in my power to support organizations that are helping those in need.”

The Bucks County philanthropist, who found success in the automotive and commercial real estate industries, is the namesake of the Gene & Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund, a charitable organization committed to causes that further the interests of vulnerable populations. In the wake of the ongoing global pandemic, the critical work of Philabundance became increasingly clear, according to Gene.

“Every day, people are going hungry,” he says. “Unless everyone is willing to turn to their neighbor and offer them food and shelter, we must do more.”

Recently, the Epsteins did just that. Gene, an antique car collector, sold one of his most beloved possessions; a 1969 Mercedes Benz that once belonged to Elvis Presley. Proceeds from the sale went to support local and national food banks.

“We thought, ‘what’s more important — knowing more people have food and shelter or keeping this car just to look at it,” he says. “We couldn’t sell it quick enough!”

It’s that mindset that Gene hopes will encourage others to contribute what they can through their Helping the Hungry Challenge, an initiative to drive donations to Philabundance and provide emergency food assistance to more individuals and families throughout the region.

With support from the Gene & Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund, donations up to $10,000 will be matched, providing every donor the opportunity to have an even greater impact, says Gene.

With support from the Gene & Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund, donations received in response to this issue of The Feed will be matched up to $10,000, providing every donor the opportunity to have an even greater impact, says Gene.

“Now, more than ever, people understand the plight of being hungry,” he says.

Philabundance Awards 49 Member Agencies with Capacity Grants

Philabundance Awards 49 Member Agencies with Capacity Grants

Philabundance has announced $250,000 in 2025–2027 Capacity Grants for 49 member agencies across Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. This funding will provide the operational capital needed to allow organizations to remain flexible and able to adapt to changing needs.

From faith-based institutions in Delaware County to social service agencies meeting the needs of diverse families across Philadelphia County, the 2025–2027 Philabundance Capacity grantees are among the hundreds of organizations that partner with Philabundance to support the more than 600,000 individuals in our region experiencing food insecurity.

The grantees include

  • Bucks County: Bucks County Opportunity Council; Faith Baptist Church
  • Delaware County: Blessed Virgin Mary; Loaves & Fishes; Prayer Chapel Church of God in Christ
  • Mercer County: Prince of Peace Center
  • Montgomery County: Bethel Community Church; ElderNet of Lower Merion and Narberth; Grace Lutheran Norristown; Love Works Resource Center; Mitzvah Circle; Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard; Patrician Society
  • Philadelphia County: African Family Health Organization; Alexander McClure Elementary School; Bebashi; Bethany Missionary Baptist Church; Breaking Bread on Broad; Bright Hope Baptist Church; Broad Street Love; Brothers of Strawberry Mansion; Calvary Agape Outreach Services; Casa Del Carmen; Cast Your Cares; Christ Apostolic WOSEM; Community Center at Visitation; Episcopal Community Services; The Family Practice & Counseling Network; First Church Worship Center; Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry; Grace Community Christian Center; Kensington Health Sciences Academy; Lutheran Settlement House; Mighty Writers; Mi Salud Wellness; Nationalities Services Center; North Light Community Center; Old Pine Community Center; Open Door Ministries; Our Brothers Place; Paul L Dunbar School; Project H.O.M.E.; Southwest Family Service Center; St. Paul Outreach; Word In Action International Ministries
  • York County: Bethlehem Baptist Church; Mattie Dixon Community Center
  • Southern New Jersey: Puerto Rican Unity for Progress; SisterHood Inc.

Philabundance Capacity Grants help improve each organization’s ability to operate more efficiently and deliver effective food distribution programs and services. To date, $4.4 million dollars in Philabundance Capacity Grants have been allocated for capacity-building infrastructure, such as refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated vans and technology to empower community partners and improve the food distribution network.

“As federal resources continue to shrink and hunger remains a distressing reality in the Greater Philadelphia region, community-based nonprofits are often a lifeline for families in need of healthy food,” said Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance. “Investing directly in our partners and their infrastructure allows us to swiftly and efficiently meet the needs of thousands of our friends and neighbors experiencing food insecurity.”

“Breaking Bread on Broad is [very] grateful for the new refrigerators we will be able to purchase with our Philabundance grant,” said Dan Seltzer, co-leader of Breaking Bread on Broad (BBoB). “Breaking Bread on Broad is the food pantry of Congregation Rodeph Shalom whose mission is to provide our neighbors in need with food, diapers and period supplies each week. With this grant, we will be able to provide our BBoB neighbors with more fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein to better feed their families.”

“​​With this funding, Casa Del Carmen will invest in critical hardware—such as commercial refrigeration, durable shelving, metal prep-table and mini hand pallet jack—that will enhance the efficiency and reliability of our food pantry operations,” said Janet DeJesus, office manager at Casa Del Carmen. “These improvements will allow us to store more fresh and nutritious food, reduce waste, and serve our neighbors more quickly and with greater dignity. By strengthening our infrastructure, we are not only improving daily logistics but also deepening our commitment to food security and community well-being.”

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