The Food Cupboard: Helping Fill Gaps in the Community

During the summer, children and even more adults may be home enjoying the sun's rays. While vacation is often the highlight of the warm weather, there is a jarring reality that many families will face —food insecurity.

With recent changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the cost of groceries increasing, families are feeling the economic strain. In 2020, food banks nationwide distributed six billion meals to people facing hunger, and during the pandemic, 4 in 10 of those people were using a pantry for the first time. [1]

While people seem to be adjusting to life during the “post-Covid” era, the effects of hunger preceding and during the pandemic remain prevalent and are growing. Food banks across the country are serving 55 percent more people now than before the pandemic, according to Feeding America. So, what can you do to help?

What the Food cupboard provides:

The St. Peter’s Food Cupboard offers nonperishables: canned fruit, vegetables, proteins, toiletries, etc. All our items come from the generous donations of the community both inside and outside of the church. Donations are welcome during Sunday service and during the food cupboard operating hours.

The doors of the cupboard are open from 8 a.m.- 6p.m., so people can come and take what they need all day. The St. Peter’s food cupboard understands that it is not always easy for people to admit they need help, so we provide flexible access so people can help themselves without question.

The Future of the Food Cupboard:

The Food cupboard has been operating for almost five years, and at times the pantry is fully stocked with a variety of canned and packaged goods, but other times the shelves are empty or full of the same product. The goal is to serve the community, satisfying their needs with quality donations. The desire to serve comes with improvements. Such changes in the future may include a community fridge that would allow access to perishable foods like produce and dairy.

The pantry must continue to thrive because it services a community with great needs. Giving goes beyond the food cupboard and sends a message to the public that "St. Peter's cares." Currently, Audrey Kipphut and Rick DeKalb help organize and stock products, but they are always looking for more help.

If you would like to make donations, either food or time, contact St. Peter's Episcopal Chruch at stpeter654@gmail.com or 215-887-1765.

[1] Feeding America is a non-profit dedicated to combating hunger nationwide.