Most of us in Chadds Ford can hardly imagine what it feels like to wonder where we’ll find our next meal. Yet we know some of our neighbors experience this challenge. Did you know that 1 in 7 students at Chadds Ford Elementary qualify for free lunch?

Our federal government has been cutting funding for months that helps feed our neighbors who need assistance (cancelling food orders for local food banks, ending programs that help local food banks and schools purchase from local farmers, temporary freezes on SNAP funding, and more).

In response, food drives have popped up all over our community, and donors have shown up in droves. For example, food donations at KACS, the local food pantry in Kennett Square, have doubled this month relative to this time last year. The KACS facility is quite small (which is why they’re currently working toward securing a new location). Fortunately, some generous partners have shared storage space during this busy season!

While it’s disheartening to see our federal government willing to let hungry neighbors starve, it warms my heart to know that community members won’t tolerate such disgrace. So many people have stepped up in whatever ways they can to help get nutritious food to vulnerable neighbors.

three volunteers at Oso Sweet managing the table where food was collected for the food drive

The food drive at Oso Sweet Bakery last weekend, hosted by the Chadds Ford Democrats, was another successful event. After collecting 818 pounds of food, 28 pounds of paper goods, and over $300 in cash donations during the spring food drive, this one outperformed again. They collected 1,141 pounds of food and paper goods and over $350 in cash donations (despite so many other food drives around town). KACS received everything this past Monday, November 17.

Thanks also to Oso Sweet Bakery for offering their space for this vital community event. If you stopped by, did you try the special pumpkin pie croissant? I heard it was delicious! 🥐