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Helping to Keep Kids’ Bellies Full

Learn more about how the West Chester Food Cupboard Helps Keep Bellies Full and How YOU can help!

November 19, 2014
The Holiday Shopping event on December 4th will benefit the West Chester Food Cupboard. Read on to find about how the food cupboard is helping fill local bellies and find links to how you can help. Remember if you bring canned goods to the December event you automatically receive 5 free raffle tickets!

Food insecurity remains a critical issue in our country, and the statistics continue to rise year after year. Getting enough to eat every day, especially nutritious/healthy foods, is important for everyone – but is particularly critical for children. Proper nutrition has a direct impact on a child’s physical and mental health, including the ability to perform in school and to develop normally. 

Nearly 16 million* children face hunger in the United States today. This places a tremendous stress on families, who often have to make difficult choices between paying for rent, electricity, medicine and food. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that this problem reaches us right here in West Chester, but it does. However, at least one local organization is helping to make a difference!

The West Chester Food Cupboard (545 E. Gay Street) serves some 600 local families – including nearly 670 children – every month. It is a “client choice cupboard,” meaning that clients select the food they want and need instead of receiving a pre-packed bag of groceries. This both promotes personal dignity and reduces waste. 

Clients may shop once per month and choose fresh eggs, butter, cheese, milk, frozen meats, breads, pastries, tomato products, pasta, beans, rice, soups, fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, necessities that cannot be purchased with food stamps – such as baby diapers, wipes, toilet paper and laundry detergent – are also available. 

The West Chester Food Cupboard is run entirely by non-paid volunteers, and relies on the generosity of corporations, churches, schools and individuals. For more information or to make a financial donation, please visit http://westchesterfoodcupboard.org.  

* source: www.feedingamerica.com