Souderton area families grappling with food insecurity may be feeling the squeeze even more this month from the temporary closure of a local fresh produce program.
The nonprofit Keystone Opportunity Center announced its Fresh for All program — which provides fresh produce to families in parts of Bucks and Montgomery counties on a weekly basis — is suspended for November.
The closure came after the agency learned its supplier was unable to continue the program for the month, Keystone Executive Director Brandon Trombetta said. He added that the food pantry will remain fully operational during this period.
The Fresh for All program distributes approximately 800 boxes of fresh produce each month, according to a recent press release.
“This shutdown will impact more than 500 unique families, representing more than 2,000 individuals who rely on these resources to help meet their nutritional needs," it read. "In total, 14,000 pounds of produce typically provided during this period will be unavailable, intensifying the strain on those facing hardship as the holiday season approaches."
Fresh for All is expected to resume Dec. 3.
How to help Souderton area families facing food insecurity
To offset the impact of this closure, which coincides with the holiday season when food insecurity often spikes, Keystone Opportunity Center representatives are reaching out to area residents for help.
“Our Fresh for All program plays a vital role in bringing fresh, healthy produce to the tables of local families,” said Clarice Foster, Keystone's food pantry manager. “We’re facing an unprecedented challenge, and the timing is particularly difficult as the need is at its peak. We’re calling on the community to help us bridge this gap and ensure that no family goes hungry this holiday season.”
Here’s how you can help:
Fresh produce and nonperishable food items can be dropped off at Keystone Opportunity Center at 104 N. Main St. in Souderton. For more information on how to help, contact Foster at 215-723-5430 or by email at [email protected].
Where to find help in Bucks and Montgomery counties
Fresh Connect by Bucks County Opportunity Council: Bucks County residents impacted by the temporary closure of the Fresh for All can apply for Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Fresh Connect program, which holds weekly distributions in Warminster, Quakertown, Kitnersville and Bristol. For more information or to register, visit: bcoc.org/fresh-connect.
Keystone Opportunity Center’s Food Pantry: Keystone’s food pantry is to continue to operate with its regular hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the first Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. For more information, visit keystoneopportunity.org/foodpantry
Philabundance Food Pantry Locator: Philabundance, which serves nine counties across southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, offers an online food resource locator at philabundance.org/find-food-food-map.
Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, food and drink, economic revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please consider supporting local journalism with a subscription.