I hope this regular update finds you safe and healthy during this increasingly difficult time for so many of our communities. The staggering toll of COVID-19, coupled with the protests our country is experiencing, has left us all shaken. As the counties in our service area move to reopen, at Philabundance, we know that the effects of this societal upheaval will be with us for a long and difficult time.

Unfortunately, Philabundance had to suspend our operations in Philadelphia county for one day due to the protests. We did not make that decision lightly – tens of thousands of city residents depend on Philabundance to help put food on the table. That’s why we are rescheduling deliveries and working harder than ever to provide food for our community members in the safest, most convenient locations.

I did want to give you some brief updates on the work you are supporting, work which continues even under these extraordinary circumstances:

• On May 29 Philabundance launched a large scale drive-thru emergency food distribution site at Citizen’s Bank Park. Last week’s inaugural distribution was a success, with every car served in an efficient and well-organized manner. We are grateful to the Phillies and the City of Philadelphia for their support in helping Philabundance get food to those in need.

• We continued our series of “virtual town halls” designed to keep our supporters informed about our work. Last week’s webinar detailed the increased need we’re seeing, and the ways Philabundance works with our partner agencies to get the right food to the right people at the right time. You can view a recording of this week’s webinar here, as well as a link to the video featuring our agency partner, The Simple Way, here (my apologies for the technical difficulties).

• Save the date for our next virtual Town Hall, Wednesday, June 10 at 1:00PM, where we’ll share updates on our Philabundance Community Kitchen, our impactful workforce development program.

Last but not least, we invite you to join us in welcoming Loree D. Jones, our new Chief Executive Officer, who joined us this week. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofit organizations, education and city government, we are excited to have Loree lead Philabundance in the fight against hunger.

These updates are meant to share the tremendous impact that you, our generous donors and loyal friends, are making in the lives of families throughout our region especially during this time of upheaval. Our team members are grateful for your shared belief in our mission, and we thank you with this video from our staff.

For additional information, or to find out more about how to get involved, please visit our COVID-19 Resources and Information page.

May your plate always be full,

Sara Hertz
Chief Development Officer