FJC Annual Food Drive Set For June

by 
Jon Scaffidi, Weavers Way Food Justice Committee

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Three years ago, the Weavers Way Food Justice Committee organized its first food drive to alleviate the possibility of hunger during the summer for school children who normally benefit from free or reduced-cost lunches. That reality has not changed; in fact, the overall situation has worsened. There have been continued attacks and limitations placed on programs like SNAP and TANF at both the state and federal levels. Likewise, although the official unemployment rate has improved over the past decade, the actual income earned by low-wage workers has barely changed.

With this understanding, the FJC will be holding its third annual “Hunger Doesn’t Take A Vacation” food drive from Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. Donations will be collected at all three stores from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. on each day of the drive, and at Henry Got Crops Farm Market from noon through 7 p.m. on May 31. This year, proceeds will benefit the Holy Cross Food Pantry in Mt. Airy, the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler, and St. Luke’s Germantown Nutritional Ministries. There are still opportunities for working members to earn their hours collecting donations during the food drive: check the Member Center for details. 

The vast majority of the 5,300 pounds of food collected in the past two years was purchased at the Co-op’s three stores, and it’s wonderful that so many people have chosen to simultaneously support the Co-op and the food drive. Nevertheless, any nutritious, unexpired, non-refrigerated, non-frozen food is welcome.  

If you have any questions about the drive, contact Jon Scaffidi at jpscaffidi@gmail.com