As many people struggle with rising grocery prices, there’s so many organizations that serve Philadelphia and the surrounding areas that are stepping up to help the community. Here’s just a few of some of the ones making a difference in our area:

1. Philabundance

From its small beginnings in 1984, Philabundance has expanded to be one of the largest food rescue, distribution and hunger relief organizations in the Philadelphia area. Philabundance supplies food to pantries and sites across the city, and operates a “Find Free Food Near You” search feature on their website that allows residents to quickly and easily locate the most convenient distribution site for them. Philabundance also distributes emergency food boxes directly to doorsteps, and was key player and combating hunger during the peak of COVID-19. 

Philabundance posts volunteer opportunities on their Volunteerhub calendar, with most multiple shift options most weekdays. Anyone can also get involved by donating food or making a financial donation at anytime. 

In addition, Philabundance also offers a full range of catering options through their program PCKatering! All the food is professionally prepared by those in their Philabundance Community Kitchen vocational training program under the instruction of a professional chef. It’s an amazing way to support Philabundance and provide great food for your next event at the same time.

2. Rolling Harvest Food Rescue

Rolling Harvest partners directly with local farms and fresh food distributors to rescue excess produce and unsold food, and delivers it directly to their large network of hunger relief sites. RHFR is part of the important mission to bring fresh food – specifically produce, but also dairy and meat – to food pantries where the majority of the food consists of boxed and canned goods. This service also benefits the local farmers, who are often faced with tough dilemmas regarding their unharvested produce. RHFR volunteers glean (harvest) the produce directly from the farm and deliver it to the relief partners, taking the burden of labor off of the farmers. 

RHFR is one of the major suppliers for the Fresh Connect free farmers markets in Bucks County, and played a major role in COVID-19 hunger relief in the area. In addition, they now operate their own farm growing food meant specifically for free distribution, thanks to the generous land from Gravity Hill Farm.

3. Share Food Program

Founded in 1986, Share Food Program has been serving Philadelphia through a variety of hunger relief services and nutrition programming. Operating out of the home base at 2901 W Hunting Park Ave, Share Food Program is a leader in providing nutritious food to Philly residents, particularly through its home delivery and Senior Food Box Program (SFBP). They also operate a food waste reduction program, where grocery stores and other partners can donate unsold food through their easy free pickup service. 

Like Rolling Harvest, Share Food Program also operates their own farm called Nice Roots Farm, which allows them to grow their own fresh produce directly for distribution. 

Volunteers are always needed to pack food boxes, make pickups and deliveries, work on the farm and more.

4. Broad Street Ministry

Broad Street Ministry has been a crucial partner in serving Philadelphia in many capacities, with just one part of their mission being to address hunger and nutrition in the city. BSM offers lunch, open to anyone who would like to dine with them, Monday through Friday 11:30am – 1:15pm at 315 South Broad St. This nutritious lunch service is an important reliable staple in the city, and offers not just food, but a community hub to local residents. Guests who dine at BSM can also access their case management, mail services, clothing services, mending clinic and more while enjoying lunch.

BSM posts their volunteer opportunities on their Volunteerhub, with multiple options each weekday!

5. MANNA

MANNA provides medically-tailored meals to those with serious illnesses, with 11 different dietary modifications, including kidney-friendly, heart-healthy, low lactose, high calorie, pureed, and more. Meals are made fresh in their kitchens, and delivered directly in microwave-ready containers to residents by volunteer delivery drivers. Volunteers also work in the kitchens to assist in packaging, sealing, and labeling all the individual meals. Every MANNA client receives one weekly delivery, consisting of 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners, along with healthy desserts and fruit. 

MANNA relies on their volunteers to keep everything running, and posts their opportunities on their Volunteerhub. After completing clearances and a brief training, new volunteers can sign up for any shifts online and begin helping with a variety of crucial functions of MANNA’s operation!