More Than A Decade of Bread Michael’s single question thirteen years ago led to more than a decade of community coming together. In 2013, Michael Mariakis walked into Bucks County Housing Group’s Penndel Food Pantry and asked one simple question: What are you in need of? At the time, Bucks County Housing Group’s Food Pantry Manager told Michael we were out of bread. Bread, a staple in so many households, was absent from the shelves of the Penndel Food Pantry that week. Michael wanted to help. He drove over to Redner’s in Levittown, just 1.5 miles from the Penndel Food Pantry, and asked to purchase 100 loaves of bread. Redner’s was unable to sell Michael 100 loaves, for they would be out of supply for their customers. The Store Manager then asked Michael why he needed 100 loaves of bread. Michael and the Store Manager worked out a plan. The Store Manager would order 100 extra loaves of bread, and Michael would come by to pay for it, pick it up and deliver it to the Penndel Food Pantry each week. Michael’s first bread donation was in 2013. He went back to Redner’s the next Tuesday and brought 100 loaves back to the Penndel Food Pantry. After 13 years, he continues to do this. A total of 67,600 loaves…and counting! Michael started this endeavor alone. Since then, his philanthropy encouraged others to also get involved. Dennis’ story Dennis Scheerer started volunteering at BCHG three years ago at the Penndel Food Pantry. He saw Michael bring in loaves of bread and wanted to know what was going on and how to help. They became fast friends and together he helps load ten crates of bread into Michael’s car each week. Collin and Becky’s story Collin and Becky Stuart have been volunteers with Bucks County Housing Group for more than a decade as well. They come to the Food Pantry every Tuesday to pack bags, stock shelves, and take in donations. But on a Tuesday in 2020, they realized a stack of crates was piling up. For six years now, in addition to their regular volunteer roles, they return the empty crates from the Penndel Food Pantry and bring them back to Redner’s each week. BCHG Food Pantries give out, on average, 10,000 lbs of food every week, and as fast as the bread comes in, the bread is distributed to families in need just as quickly. What started as one man’s question led to a community coming together to help feed those in need. How will you help? Email us at info@bchg.org, and let’s see how we can get you started. Related