Chesco board gives boost to Food Bank

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on June 10, 2016

The Chester County Commissioners presented a check for $25,000 to representatives from the Chester County Food Bank earlier this week, at the Food Bank’s Uwchlan Township headquarters.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline (from left); Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell; Norm Horn, director of advancement for the Chester County Food Bank; Larry Welsh, executive director of the Chester County Food Bank; and County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone gather for the check presentation.

The funds are part of the county’s annual appropriations to nonprofits, and the check was presented in anticipation of the opening of the Food Bank’s Fresh2You Mobile Market later this month, according to a county press release.

Chester County government actively supports the work of the Chester County Food Bank, particularly its farm and garden programs. Programs to grow fruit and vegetables for the Food Bank exist at the county’s Springton Manor Farm, the Chester County Youth Center and Chester County Prison.

Close to $300,000 of state and federal funding channels through Chester County government for the Chester County Food Bank annually. In addition to the commissioners’ annual appropriation, county employees donate food and toiletry items to the Food Bank through the county’s monthly Dress-Down Day program, which involves an employee contribution in exchange for the privilege of wearing casual attire.

The Chester County Food Bank serves approximately 50,000 people a year through 36 food cupboards and 68 meal sites and social service agencies. Last year, 2.5 million pounds of food was distributed, including 850,000 pounds of fresh produce, the release said.