Lou Farrell describes the Bread Drop program. (Photo courtesy North Penn Advocates)
Programs address local hunger with bread and sandwiches
Part three in a weekly series of Good Work and Good News features about positive change makers in the North Penn area. Featured is Lou Farrell, who runs Bread Drop and the PB&J Project in Hatfield.
Lou, would you briefly explain what is most satisfying in your work with the Bread Drop and PB&J Project?
I started this project with my friend Barry Haydt in 2020 in my garage. We set up tables and made PB&J sandwiches with white bread, peanut butter, and jelly, putting about *450 calories in each sandwich. Some church members helped from their homes. We saw a need to feed the homeless, so over two years, we built a network to provide food to 250,000 people in several counties (Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia). The sandwiches were distributed to organizations who prepared “snack bags” by adding water, fruit, and chocolate. This portable bag could be someone’s only food for the day. These bag lunches were then delivered to the homeless in the areas where they lived. Our model was designed to be easy to replicate, leading to a successful operation and many strong connections with organizers, volunteers, and the hungry.
*Note: The average adult needs about 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day to maintain their weight, depending on factors like age, sex, weight, height, and activity level.
What are some roadblocks?
When COVID-19 struck, the demand for food surged! We were able to get a grant from the COVID fund in May 2020. People were afraid to leave their homes, children missed school meals, and many fell ill or passed away. Information was scarce, and numerous organizations closed, exacerbating the food crisis. Fortunately, our dedicated team continued deliveries, and not one of us got sick.
Who are the programs or organizations you consider to be “partners?”
We created a large network of people making sandwiches, donating food, and delivering to those in need. We work with many diverse groups in Philadelphia and nearby counties, including churches like the Philadelphia Archdiocese, Sisters of Charity, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Center City Philadelphia. The “Angels Sharing the Warmth” Telford Bikers group feed homeless in Kensington and are crucial to our efforts. Cherri Gregg’s programs on WHYY radio, the “Good Souls” radio show, and Channel 6’s, “Good People” show helped with their positive impact on our efforts. In our area, the Ambler Co-Op, Emanuel Lutheran Church in Souderton, and Ann Marie Heidgerd have been amazing contributors.
Tell us four ways a community member can help you reach your goals.
— Make sandwiches. (Talk to Ann Marie Heidgerd 215-723-7514 at Emanuel Lutheran in Souderton to coordinate with the E-Meal Program).
— Drive sandwiches to Norwood Road (Rt 1) for distribution.
— Donate water, fruit, sandwiches, and chocolate, or a cash or check donation.
— Set up your own bread drop franchise with your friends, church, or concerned citizens.
How can volunteers help year-round?
See above for helping with food. Every day, people can show compassion to others. Hunger and Homelessness are not moral issues or a moral problem.
Have you seen growth from the volunteers and/or from the people using your service?
Over the years, we have witnessed many positive changes. Helping others has brought joy and satisfaction. Volunteers and recipients have overcome their fears and learned to accept and understand each other. We have gained valuable insights from people of diverse backgrounds. We have realized we have more in common than we thought. By understanding, accepting, and working together, we build a stronger, healthier society. We do not shy away from the press. We believe the more press we get, the more people we will be able to reach. Hopefully, that will translate into better understanding and more help.
Do you have a particular “success story” to share?
We have had many individual success stories, but working out the logistics for Bread Drop has been a major achievement. Over two years,150 volunteers helped deliver food to 250,000 people. We never stopped. Many organizations we work with are led by non-stop, dedicated individuals. When I had to step down due to health issues, others took over. Ann Marie Heidgerd at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Souderton started in July 2022 with her team and facilities, running an amazing food program.
Do you get any push-back? How do you counter it?
Yes, there is some pushback, but the positive outcomes are more significant. We need funds for bread, peanut butter, jelly, water, fruit, and chocolate. Generous people donate, but we also need money for freezers, gas, and packing materials. Some donors want to restrict their donations, but we only accept donations that help everyone without conditions. Our goal is to show compassion to all.
How does your organization benefit the community overall including those who do not need the service?
Absolutely. When people are in need, they will find ways to survive. Everyone benefits when we support each other. We have developed a strong network within the community. We have collections on Tuesdays, we deliver to our network of providers on Wednesday, who in turn get the food out to the streets and centers. Making help freely available creates a stronger, safer community.
Submitted by North Penn Advocates, a group of local people who want to educate the North Penn Community on chronic issues of hunger, homelessness, and housing, and advocate for tangible solutions. Questions/comments: Send an email to [email protected]. Visit our North Penn Advocates Facebook page. For more information on Bread Drop, go to E-Meal Program, Souderton, PA www.elcsouderton.org or call: 215-723-7514 (Ann Marie)
