Keystone Opportunity Center’s Fresh for All program provides fresh produce to needy community members every week. (Courtesy of the Keystone Opportunity Center)
Center asking for public’s help to fill gap
Keystone Opportunity Center (KOC) has announced that its Fresh for All program, which provides fresh produce to families in Montgomery and Bucks Counties on a weekly basis, will be suspended for November due to circumstances beyond the organization’s control.
The temporary closure coincides with the holiday season, a critical period when food insecurity often spikes, leaving hundreds of families in need without their usual support, said a KOC press release.
The Fresh for All program distributes approximately 800 boxes of fresh produce each month, providing nearly 18 pounds of food per box to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This shutdown will impact more than 500 unique families, representing more than 2,000 individuals who rely on these resources to help meet their nutritional needs. In total, 14,000 pounds of produce typically provided during this period will be unavailable, intensifying the strain on those facing hardship as the holiday season approaches, said the release.
Keystone Opportunity Center has urged community members to join them in the effort to support those most impacted by food insecurity.
“Our Fresh for All program plays a vital role in bringing fresh, healthy produce to the tables of local families,” said Clarice Foster, KOC Food Pantry Manager. “We’re facing an unprecedented challenge, and the timing is particularly difficult as the need is at its peak. We’re calling on the community to help us bridge this gap and ensure that no family goes hungry this holiday season.”
To offset the impact of this closure, KOC is reaching out to the community for support, requesting donations of funds and fresh produce. KOC is also encouraging community members to organize produce drives and volunteer to assist with sorting, packing, and distributing food when the program resumes on December 3, said the release.
For more information on how to help, contact Clarice Foster at 215-723-5430 or [email protected]. Fresh produce and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Keystone Opportunity Center at 104 N. Main Street in Souderton.
Keystone Opportunity Center, founded in 2009, and headquartered in Souderton, Pa., is a nonprofit human services organization that annually supports more than 5000 families and individuals in need through a comprehensive array of social services that educate, encourage, and empower them to become self-sufficient members of their community. Programs and services include housing the homeless, combatting food insecurity, and providing free comprehensive adult education services. For more information, visit keystoneopportunity.org.
