The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), a nonprofit organization comprised of eight YMCA branches serving Chester County, has opened its doors to neighbors struggling to put food on the table as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Soon after the statewide stay-at-home order was issued, the Kennett Area YMCA and Kennett Area Community Services (KACS) partnered to collect and distribute food to those in need. The Kennett Area YMCA has opened its doors to safely serve as KACS' food collection and distribution center during the pandemic, as well as helping to staff the site with volunteers. More than 11,000 pounds of food was distributed to 350 families in just the first two weeks of the initiative.
As food insecurity continues to grow in Chester County, YGBW has partnered with the Chester County Food Bank, Southern Chester County Opportunity Network (SCCON), Square Root Collective and the United Way of Chester County to expand food collection and distribution efforts to three more of its branches. These new sites are Brandywine YMCA, 295 Hurley Road, Coatesville; Jennersville YMCA, 880 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove; and Oscar Lasko YMCA, 1 E. Chestnut St., West Chester.
YGBW invites the public to donate food at these locations, as well as the Kennett Area YMCA, 101 Race St., Kennett Square, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can simply pull up and volunteers will unload the food from the car safely.
Shelf-stable items most needed are rice, pasta, peanut butter and cereal, as well as canned fish/chicken, canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, tomato sauce, beans and coffee/tea.
As YGBW began expanding its efforts, it put a call out for volunteers. Within 24 hours, more than 100 people volunteered to help. Volunteers are trained in how to weigh, clean and package all food donations, while ensuring a safe environment for all.
Those who are in need of food are asked to complete a confidential form and the YGBW team will be in touch. For more information and to access the form, readers may visit https://forms.gle/f1vYz164jA9R4wV56.
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