West Chester, Pa – The Chester County Food Bank will receive $50,000 in state funding to purchase new equipment thanks to the work of state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The Chester County Food Bank, which continues to respond to the growing needs of individuals and families, will use the funds to acquire a freezer and other equipment to support the safe storage and preservation of meals and produce.
Comitta, who serves on the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, secured the funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support the food bank and the innovative programs and initiatives it’s launched and expanded in response to the evolving pandemic.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chester County Food Bank, its volunteers, staff, supporters, partners, and network of local cupboards did heroic work to help ensure that no one – no residents, senior citizen, child, or family went hungry,” she said. “Today, that work continues. This investment will help the foodbank continue to rise to meet a series of new challenges, including increased transportation costs and supply chain concerns.”
The Chester County Food Bank offers premade meals, through the program “Meals on Wheels of Chester County,” for those who may have difficulty making a hot meal on their own. Annually, the food bank provides about 14,000 meals a year for Meals on Wheels Chester County.
“With rising food costs and an ongoing pandemic, the need for the Chester County Food Bank has never been greater. With this $50,000 capital project investment, our impact will also be greater,” said Andrea Youndt, CEO of the Chester County Food Bank. “And we have strengthened our network’s infrastructure, adding 40 new community agencies resulting in increased coordination and community impact of our 160 hunger relief partners throughout Chester County. We are grateful for this investment as these funds will be a gamechanger for us to accommodate the growth of our Simple Supper ‘heat and eat meals’ and to sustain a high volume and variety of healthy food for distribution throughout our countywide network.”
Comitta also thanked Youndt and all of the food bank’s staff and supporters for working tirelessly and safely throughout the pandemic.
“Access to healthy, affordable, and fresh produce is essential for all families. Like our other frontline workers, the Chester County Food Bank’s staff continues to provide some stability and certainty to those experiencing food insecurity. We’re grateful for the efforts of food bank staff and volunteers. I will continue to work to provide the tools and resources they need to succeed,” she said.
Formed in 2009, the Chester County Food Bank is the central hunger relief organization serving more than 150 partner agencies in Chester County, according to its website. Through our network of food cupboards, hot meal sites, shelters, and other social service organizations, the food bank distributes more than 3 million pounds to our neighbors with limited or uncertain access to adequate food.
For more information on the Chester County Food Bank, visit chestercountyfoodbank.org.