When families in our communities face hunger, the United Way network acts - quickly and collaboratively.
This week, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey joined with the Philadelphia Foundation and the William Penn Foundation to launch the Regional Food Fund, a $6 million emergency effort to keep food on the tables of families across our region.
Created in response to deep federal cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Emergency Food Assistance Program, the fund will help local food banks meet rising needs. The effort supports the region's four largest food banks - Bucks County Opportunity Council, Chester County Food Bank, Philabundance, and Share Food Program - which have been hardest-hit by federal cuts and support food pantries across the region.
Powered by Partnership - and Donor Generosity
This regional response is catalyzed by a $4 million challenge grant from the William Penn Foundation, designed to leverage additional support and match every dollar raised - two to one - to amplify impact.
United Way stepped forward with a lead gift of $700,000 to help meet the challenge, and an additional $300,000 to South Jersey food banks, ensuring support reaches families throughout our entire service area.
“This is about our neighbors - families who are already struggling to make ends meet and now face even greater uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. United Way is proud to step up alongside our philanthropic partners to help our region’s food banks fight food insecurity.”
Standing Together Against Hunger
Rising food costs, deep federal funding cuts, delayed state funding, and a potential freeze of federal nutrition benefits have strained food banks to the breaking point. The Regional Food Fund demonstrates what's possible when philanthropy and community come together to protect the most vulnerable and ensure no family is left behind.
Read the full press release here and the coverage from the Philadelphia Inquirer to learn more about this critical effort.