4 Organizations Partner to Create ‘Help Feed ChesCo’

A coalition of Chester County organizations has launched Help Feed ChesCo, a relief initiative that pools funds and food donations to address food insecurity.

Four partners — the Chester County United Way, Chester County Community Foundation, The Alliance for Health Equity, and the United Way of Southern Chester County — have each contributed $25,000 to create a $100,000 matching fund, aiming to unlock up to $200,000 for the Chester County Food Bank.

“In recent months, funding delays and changes to state and federal assistance programs, including SNAP, have increased the strain on families, resulting in more visits to local food pantries, hot meal sites, and shelters,” said Andi Youndt, CEO of the Chester County Food Bank, to The Times of Chester County. “As a result, the Chester County Food Bank has increased its distribution to these organizations by more than 2 million pounds year over year.” 

To meet the ongoing need for food, the partner organizations are encouraging the community to help collect 50,000 pounds of food to restock food pantry shelves at this time of year.

Leaders from the organizations stressed the urgent need for a coordinated response to prevent hunger, noting that funding delays and rising costs are straining local food security.

“Abrupt federal funding cuts, the PA budget impasse in Harrisburg, cancelled contracts, rising costs, and increased need have collided to create a crisis. Sadly, the worst is yet to come,” said Karen Simmons, president and CEO of Chester County Community Foundation. “A coordinated response sustains access to food for needy families across the abundantly resourced Chester County. This buys a little bit of time to find new solutions and coordinate with new partners to build a more resilient future where no one in Chester County goes hungry.”

Residents are encouraged to donate financially or with food. Resources are available on the Help Feed ChesCo webpage and the Chester County Food Bank's website. Additionally, 211 is available for those in need.