Women’s History Month at Bucks County Housing Group

March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the contributions, leadership, and resilience of women across history and in our everyday lives. At Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG), we’re proud to recognize the powerful role that women play in our organization and in our community’s fight against hunger and homelessness.

Women at the Heart of BCHG

BCHG’s mission is driven forward every day by women—leading at the highest levels, showing up with compassion and care, and shaping the future of housing and food security in Bucks County.

More than 50% of our senior leadership team is comprised of women, including those who manage our housing programs, coordinate community partnerships, and oversee day-to-day operations. Our Board of Directors also reflects this commitment to gender equity, with women making up half of our leadership, including our current Board President, Donna McQuillen.

Beyond leadership, countless women on our staff and volunteer teams show up every day to support our neighbors with empathy, strength, and creativity. Whether they’re running our food pantries, helping a family transition into permanent housing, or counseling first-time homebuyers, these women are indispensable to our mission.

The Disproportionate Impact of Hunger and Housing Insecurity on Women

Women—especially single mothers—are among the most vulnerable populations when it comes to housing instability and food insecurity in Pennsylvania and across the country.

According to the National Women’s Law Center, women are more likely than men to experience poverty at every stage of life, and single mothers face poverty rates nearly five times higher than married couples with children. In 2022 (the most recent year with available data), 28% of mother-only family groups nationwide lived below the poverty line, nearly double the rate of father-only family groups (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024).

Women are also more likely to hold low-wage or part-time jobs, making it more difficult to afford stable housing and consistent access to food—especially when balancing caregiving responsibilities. These challenges are felt acutely in our region, where Bucks County’s cost of living continues to rise, placing further pressure on women-led households.

As a female-forward organization, BCHG is proud to operate programs that work to combat the challenges facing vulnerable women in our community.

How BCHG Supports Women in Bucks County Today

Today, BCHG is proud to offer housing, food, and supportive services that meet the unique needs of women and families in Bucks County.

The majority of families in our Supportive Housing Program are single mother households. These women are often navigating complex challenges like job loss, domestic violence, or lack of affordable childcare—all while trying to secure a safe place to live and provide for their children. The dedicated SHP Case Managers help families transition from homelessness to stability. In this program, our neighbors receive personalized support to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, whether that means help finding childcare, applying for benefits, or pursuing education and full-time employment.

In our food pantries, women of all ages—many of them primary caregivers—access nutritious groceries that help stretch tight budgets and ensure their families don’t go hungry.

These programs don’t just offer temporary relief—they empower Bucks County’s women in need to build stronger, more stable futures for themselves and their children.

Celebrating Women, Empowering Communities

As we reflect on Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have led and continue to lead the way—both within BCHG and throughout our broader community. Their courage, commitment, and compassion remind us that when women are supported, entire communities grow stronger.

Thank you to the women of BCHG—past, present, and future—for your work, your leadership, and your heart.

Written by

Nick Madson

As Girl Scout Cookie Season kicks off, we often think of Thin Mints, Samoas, and Trefoils. But Girl Scouts do more than just sell cookies—they’re dedicated to service, leadership, and making a difference in their communities. This past fall, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania‘s Troop 2315 put these values into action by creating a collection of nutritious, budget-friendly recipes using common food pantry staples. And they didn’t stop there—they braved a rainy day to share samples of their recipes at one of Bucks County Housing Group’s food distribution events at our Doylestown pantry.

Cooking Healthy on a Budget: The Challenge of Food Insecurity

For families experiencing food insecurity, access to healthy food is often a challenge. Processed and unhealthy foods tend to be more affordable and have a longer shelf life than fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins. This can make it difficult for individuals and families to maintain a nutritious diet. Troop 2315’s initiative highlights the importance of finding creative ways to make healthy meals accessible, even when resources are limited.

How BCHG Ensures Access to Nutritious Food

At Bucks County Housing Group, we’re committed to providing not just food, but nutritious food to our community. Thanks to our local partners like Giant, Weis, BJ’s, and Philabundance, BCHG’s food pantries stock fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Additionally, our three community gardens—located at our Penndel, Doylestown, and Robert Morris sites—help supply fresh produce to families in need. By offering a variety of healthy options, we strive to give our neighbors the tools they need to prepare nourishing meals for their families.

One challenge for families (especially those facing food insecurity) is that fresh produce and other nutritious ingredients often have a shorter shelf life than processed foods, making it difficult to incorporate them into meals before they spoil. The Girl Scouts’ recipe collection helps bridge this gap by providing simple, practical ways to use pantry staples alongside fresh ingredients. By demonstrating how to turn these items into complete, delicious meals, they’ve made it easier for families to get the most out of the fresh food they receive, reducing waste and promoting better nutrition.

The Recipes: Pantry Staples Turned Delicious Meals

Thanks to the hard work of Troop 2315, we now have a fantastic collection of simple, healthy recipes that can be made using ingredients commonly found at our food pantries. Below, you’ll find their recipes, which are designed to be affordable, nutritious, and easy to make at home.

A Rainy Day with a Lasting Impact

Despite the rain, the Girl Scouts showed up with enthusiasm, ready to share their recipes and samples with our pantry guests. Their dedication to making a difference is a reminder that small acts of service—like sharing a meal or a recipe—can have a meaningful impact. To continue their efforts, we now distribute copies of their recipe collection at our food pantries, ensuring that families have practical, easy-to-follow ideas for using the fresh ingredients they receive. We’re grateful for their support and for helping our community find new ways to turn pantry staples into nourishing, delicious meals.

Written by

Nick Madson

Making a Difference at Doylestown’s Food Pantry

At Bucks County Housing Group, our mission to end hunger and homelessness would be impossible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. Among them is Maureen Piccillo, whose passion for serving the community shines through her volunteer work at our Doylestown food pantry. With a heart full of compassion and a commitment to helping neighbors in need, Maureen has become an invaluable part of our team, making a real difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Her story is one of kindness, generosity, and a shared belief in building a stronger, more supportive community.

A Day in the Life at the Food Pantry

Like most volunteers at our pantries, Maureen’s responsibilities vary day-to-day. For example, Tuesday could entail inspecting and bagging freshly donated produce, but Wednesday is all about setting up for the evening’s distribution. Though she has many valuable skills, Maureen is most famous for her warmth and personable demeanor when interacting with clients. Incidentally, that’s also one of Maureen’s favorite parts of volunteering.

“The most rewarding part is the interaction with the clients. They always give me a smile and a thank you. Not only do they thank us for the food, they thank us just for volunteering,” Maureen says. “Recently, a woman asked if we had any special dessert items because it was her birthday. I was able to give her a beautiful chocolate mousse that a local grocer donated. She was so happy to get it and said it made her day.” Small gestures like this demonstrate the profound impact we can have when our community works together.

Understanding the Needs of Our Community

Though we may not realize it, there are many families in Bucks County facing food insecurity. In 2022, Feeding America found that 56,670 individuals in our community were considered food insecure. Our Doylestown and Penndel pantries strive to alleviate that insecurity, but there is still more work to be done.

Maureen shared some valuable insight gained through her time volunteering. “Living in Bucks County, we can be unaware of the many, many individuals and families that live among us who rely on the pantry to provide even the most basic of necessities. More importantly, we all must realize that anyone can experience a life changing event (economic, personal tragedy, or family situation) that transforms us and puts us in a position where we require help.”

Follow Maureen’s Lead

Get involved! When asked what she’d say to someone considering volunteering for the first time, her advice was simple and direct. “Do it!  It can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.  The volunteers that I work with have been here for years. It’s a testament to their commitment, as well as their love for the work.”

We are always in need of volunteers and donations at our pantries, and your contribution will impact the people in our community who need it most. As Helen Keller famously said, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Volunteers like Maureen embody this collaborative spirit with the work they do in the name of generosity and mutual aid.

If you’d like to join Maureen in our fight against hunger and homelessness in Bucks County, you can sign up to volunteer at a food pantry or donate.

How It Will Impact Pennsylvanians, And What You Can Do About It

Introduction:


If Congress fails to act by January 19, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) will face a budget shortfall that could result in 2 million eligible families nationwide being turned away from the program. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities) As an organization dedicated to providing essential services to vulnerable communities, BCHG is deeply concerned about the potential ramifications of the budget shortfall on the individuals and families utilizing our food program.

The WIC Program and The Budget Shortfall:


WIC is a crucial federal assistance program that provides nutrition education, healthy food, and support to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. (USDA) Currently, the WIC program serves about half of all infants born in the United States. Unfortunately, the budget that Congress is currently considering will fund the program at a $1 billion shortfall. The shortfall will cost the same amount as funding six months of benefits to all pregnant women and infants participating in WIC. (USDA) Individual states will likely create waitlists to join the program as a result of the shortfall, and several eligible families will be turned away from receiving the assistance they need.

What this Means for Pennsylvania:

The WIC budget shortfall is projected to impact 51,000 Pennsylvanians by September 2024. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities) To avoid such a stark impact, the USDA may choose to reallocate funding from their other programs toward WIC, but there is no guarantee that this will be feasible. There will likely also be a long-lasting impact on the perception of the WIC program. Turning eligible participants away due to inadequate funding will likely discourage people from applying in the future.

Impact on Our Food Pantries:


Our pantries and mobile markets are vital resources for those in need, offering a safe and reliable source of food in times of economic hardship. The potential increase in demand due to the WIC budget shortfall will place additional strain on these essential services. We anticipate welcoming new families to our pantries and mobile markets as a result of the shortfall. Demand for produce, milk, eggs, baby formula, and diapers will also likely increase. Finally, we anticipate an increase in the need for families who are already utilizing our programs. The level of support WIC will provide to those already on their programs is uncertain, so their need for food from our programs may increase.

How You Can Help:

  1. Contact Your Representatives:
    Use the form here to contact your elected representatives. Be an advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
  2. Spread the Word:
    Share this blog, our website, and our social media with your network to help spread awareness about the WIC budget shortfall. as well as the resources that BCHG provides to combat food and housing security.
  3. Donate to BCHG:
    Monetary support and food donations make a significant difference in our ability to meet increased demand at our food pantries. Support our mission by donating to our cause to help us prepare for the influx of patrons at our pantries.
  4. Volunteer Your Time:
    Offer your time and skills to assist at BCHG’s food pantries or other programs. Volunteering is a hands-on way to contribute to the community and support vulnerable individuals and families.
  5. Organize Food Drives:
    Coordinate food drives with local businesses, schools, and community groups. Collecting non-perishable items can help ensure that our food pantries remain well-stocked to meet the growing demand.

Conclusion:


The WIC budget shortfall is a challenge that will require collective action and community support. By raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and contributing to organizations like ours, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity. Together, let’s ensure that every individual has access to the nutrition and support they need for a healthy future.

Written By: Amanda McGill

Hello! My name is Dominic DiFrancesco. This summer, I had the great fortune of working as a summer intern in the Marketing and Development Department of Bucks County Housing Group under the leadership of Amanda McGill.  

I am a rising second-year student studying Marketing at the Smeal College of Business and Vocal Performance at the College of Arts and Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park (“main”) Campus. I am also a member of the Schreyer Honors College and Penn State’s Presidential Leadership Academy. Ultimately, pairing my majors, I want to work in entertainment marketing and public relations.  

During my time at Bucks County Housing Group, I worked on social media, contributing to posts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I worked toward the shared goal of growing engagement on these accounts as social media has become one of the most critical channels for effectively reaching audiences, raising awareness about BCHG’s mission, and garnering support (monetary or otherwise) to drive greater impact and success.  

I collaborated with other departments, and I worked on several projects including a keywords research project that delved into what people in the community were searching for the most in terms of our pantries and housing services, how we can best utilize this data to spread our message, and what that tells us about our community’s needs. I also worked to revamp branded materials including program one-pagers designed for clients and for donors, respectively. 

I contributed to the planning, development, and execution of BCHG’s first fundraising event in over two years at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company on July 15. I helped manage in-person donations, relations with vendors, and I even performed at the event!  

But most of all, I had the chance to witness incredible people dedicating their time and talents to closing the door on hunger and homelessness in Bucks County. One of my responsibilities as a summer intern was to gather research and resources into a concise document outlining what hunger and homelessness looked like in Bucks County. One of the aspects I touched on in the paper was a misconception that Bucks County is affluent and thus is immune to the housing and hunger crisis. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Thousands in Bucks County cannot fill their own or their family’s plates every day due to a variety of factors. However, there is help. The dedicated staff of Bucks County Housing Group is a caring, selfless, and hardworking group, and I am honored to have been among them for a season.  

I firmly believe that my time working as a summer intern at Bucks County Housing Group has and will contribute to my future success. Learning the fundamentals of donor relations, digital marketing, and the intricacies of the nonprofit sector will be invaluable to me as I move forward in my education and my career. It has been an eye-opening experience and has piqued my interest in future work in the non-profit sector, knowing that at its core, the work is dedicated to helping people. As I move forward, I am eager to explore new ways to make a positive impact.  

Thank you to everyone at Bucks County Housing Group for welcoming me with such open arms and making this summer experience unforgettable, especially my Marketing and Department dream team member Hannah Borish. Finally, thank you to Amanda McGill for her direction and mentorship. Amanda showed a genuine interest in my growth and success beyond only how it relates to BCHG and made herself available to provide guidance and support whenever needed.  

In closing, I’m so grateful to have been able to intern at Bucks County Housing Group, and I encourage any prospective interns to reach out. It’s an experience you won’t forget.  

Written by: Dominic DiFrancesco

BCHG operates the largest and only professionally-run food pantry system in Bucks County. We have two brick-and-mortar pantries, one in Doylestown and one in Penndel, along with two mobile market vans that distribute food to places further from our permanent pantries. We rely heavily on donations to keep our pantries stocked and our communities fed.

If you’d like to help out, donations to our pantries can be made at the following locations and times:

Penndel: 349 Durham Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
Tuesdays from 10am-12pm

Doylestown: 470 Old Dublin Pike Doylestown, PA 18901
Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30

If you’re interested in making a larger contribution by holding a food drive, below is all the information you’ll need to get started!

What You Need:

  • Containers/boxes for donated items
  • A designated drop-off location with start and end dates and times
  • Publicity (via social media, flyers, etc.)

What to Ask for:

At BCHG, we prioritize healthy food options in our pantries by following the Healthy Pantry Initiative set up by Philabundance. Click here to learn more: https://www.philabundance.org/healthy-pantry-initiative/

With this in mind, please ask for healthy and fresh food donations such as the items below.

Proteins such as:

  • peanut butter
  • canned chicken, tuna, or salmon
  • canned or dried beans
  • lentils and peas

Fruits and vegetables that do not require refrigeration such as:

  • canned fruit or 100% fruit juice
  • tomatoes
  • carrots
  • bananas
  • oranges

Dairy such as:

  • shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives like oat, almond, or soy milk
  • dried powder milk

Grains such as:

  • rice
  • quinoa
  • pasta
  • oatmeal
  • breakfast
  • cereal

Other Items such as:

  • olive or canola oil
  • broths, lemon juice, or vinegar
  • nuts
  • crackers
  • condiments like ketchup and mayo

Where to Hold the Drive:

Any organization that will allow it! For example:

  • schools
  • businesses/office parks
  • neighborhoods
  • churches, etc.

Where to Bring the Donations:

Please drop off the donations at one of our pantries listed above. To schedule drop-offs outside of the designated hours, please call 215-750-4344 x 101.

As we continue our journey to alleviate hunger and uplift those in need, we are very grateful for community support. Every contribution to our food programs counts; if you prefer to make a monetary donation, you can easily scan the QR codes below.

Donate on PayPal:

Donate on our website:

If you would like to view this info as a printable flyer, please click here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFpMIIMvjU/cMMIeeBLt6Ysodb1sVOPGQ/view?utm_content=DAFpMIIMvjU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

If you have any questions about organizing a drive or how to donate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to amcgill@bchg.org. Together, we can create a brighter, more nourished future for all.

Written By: Hannah Borish

How You Can Help Fight Hunger in Bucks County

Summer is here, and while it brings excitement for many, it also poses challenges for our food pantries. This season can be particularly tough as our stock levels tend to run low due to difficulties in securing food donations. While the demand for food assistance intensifies during these months, the support typically garnered during holidays and through school-drive initiatives diminishes. Compounded by the increasing costs of food and reductions in emergency SNAP benefits, the rising client need for food pantry services presents a challenge.

We have observed a steady and significant increase in the number of clients seeking assistance at our food pantries. In the month of May alone, over 550 unique households were served, providing vital support to 1,469 individuals a staggering 4,199 times. This figure has only grown in the month of June and is expected to rise as we enter July.

SNAP benefits, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal assistance program in the United States. It provides eligible individuals and families with funds to purchase nutritious food. The program aims to alleviate food insecurity and improve access to healthy meals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania provided temporary additional SNAP payments to recipients. These additional funds, typically averaging $95 or more, were crucial in supporting households facing food insecurity and mitigating the pandemic’s impact on vulnerable populations. However, in February, these extra benefits ended, resulting in decreased food assistance for many.

Furthering the struggle, food prices continue to rise due to factors including international inflation, labor costs, supply chain issues, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts a projected increase of 4.1% in food production costs for the year 2023. These food prices not only impact consumers, but also our food program’s ability to purchase food.

Bucks County Housing Group has witnessed a rise in clients struggling with homelessness or housing insecurity. The issue of homelessness almost always intersects with food insecurity, amplifying the urgency to provide consistent and reliable access to nourishing food.

The combination of these factors has created a significant gap that BCHG strives to bridge. We work hard to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families have access to essential sustenance. Our comprehensive approach to food security services ensures the issue of food access is addressed at every stage.

These challenges may seem overwhelming, but this is where your support really makes a difference! By increasing awareness of the ongoing need for food donations during the summer months, individuals, local businesses, and community organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that no one goes hungry. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity and homelessness.

There are many ways to help:

  1. Food Donations: Please consider donating either perishable or non-perishable food items. These contributions directly support our clients. Donations can be dropped off at our Penndel Pantry Tuesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm and our Doylestown Pantry Wednesday 1:30 – 3:30pm. To coordinate other donation times or food drives, please email amcgill@bchg.org.
  2. Financial Contributions: ​The best way to support our pantries currently is with monetary donations or gift cards to local grocery stores. These donations allow BCHG to purchase fresh produce, dairy products, and other perishable items, ensuring a balanced and nutritious food supply for our food pantries. Even a small contribution can go a long way in making a positive impact.
  3. Volunteer Support: Make a difference in your community by volunteering at BCHG’s food pantries or organizing food drives. Your time and skills can have a significant impact, helping to collect and distribute food to those in need.
  4. Spread the Word: Share the mission of BCHG through social media, community newsletters, local events, or just tell a friend about us! Raising awareness is key to expanding our impact and reaching more individuals and families in need.

We are facing a decline in food donations and an increase in demand at our food pantries. This presents a pressing challenge, but one we are ready to face. We are dedicated to providing food assistance to all community members who turn to our pantries. To reach that goal, we need your help. Please consider supporting us and our mission to close the door on hunger in Bucks County!

Share our mission by following along!

Instagram: @buckscountyhousinggroup

Facebook: Bucks County Housing Group

Twitter: @housing4all

LinkedIn: Bucks County Housing Group

Written By: Dominic DiFrancesco