Holding a Food Drive: 101

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