Amid Pandemic, Valley Forge Food Drive Aims To Provide Security

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — One of the local area's largest food drives launched on Thursday in King of Prussia, taking on even greater importance amid the food insecurity brought about by the pandemic.

The Valley Forge Freedom from Hunger food drive aims to collect 15,000 pounds of food.

In order to promote social distancing amid the ongoing presence of coronavirus, the drive will take place entirely online, with monetary contributions being accepted instead of physical canned foods. To donate, see here.

The drive is being organized by the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board along with the Montco Anti-Hunger Network, a group which provides food and resources to more than 15,000 households every year, organizers said.

“Dollars generated by this year’s Valley Forge Freedom from Hunger campaign will support MAHN’s COVID-19 response efforts,” the network's executive director, Paula Schafer, said in a statement. “Consequences of the pandemic are threatening the stability of thousands of Montco households."

Organizers say that full recovery from the pandemic and its consequences for at-risk groups "could take years," and that food security is more important now than ever.

"Staying fed is a real challenge for many of them now," she added. "The charitable food network is not able to address the increase in demand without help."

This specific food drive was created following Pope Francis' visit to Montgomery County's St. Charles Borromeo Seminary during his 2015 visit.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.