Pantries serving within MontCo Anti-Hunger Network to receive 100% of funds
The Montgomery County Commissioners today gathered food insecurity advocates and community partners at a Willow Grove food pantry to present a $500,000 check to local food pantries within the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN). All of the funds will go directly to food pantries serving individuals and families in need throughout Montgomery County.
The funding brings the County’s anti-hunger investments to $1 million since 2023, following an identical $500,000 investment the County Commissioners made last year. The 2024 investment is in concert with the Commissioners’ announcement of a new Food Policy Council earlier this year, which will foster a more equitable and sustainable food system in Montgomery County.
“This investment is a reflection of the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to making sure families in Montgomery County have their basic needs met. Food insecurity remains one of our County’s most pressing issues, highlighting the need for bold investments like this that balance wealth inequality by supporting our families in need,” said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “We are proud to provide this funding directly to food pantries serving within the Montco Anti-Hunger Network, our valued partner in creating a resilient food system in Montgomery County.”
“The funding we are providing to pantries within the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network is coming at a crucial time, as more than half of local food banks have reported they lack the necessary food supply to meet a surging need throughout the County,” said Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner. “We are seeing some of the highest rates this century of County residents using SNAP food benefits. These residents are struggling through no fault of their own, and we’re committed to investing in direct relief for these individuals and their families.”
“We are proud to present this funding to local food pantries and we are grateful for this partnership with the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network, which grows the potential of these pantries by coordinating food distributions across the County,” said Thomas DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner. “Public-private partnerships like this, and the concerted efforts of passionate volunteers, are the backbone of healthy, thriving communities.”
What is now known as the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network was founded in 2014 to help food pantries share food with each other and strengthen the food safety net in Montgomery County. Since then, MAHN has contributed to the County’s food safety net resilience by establishing and building a network of 71 historically siloed food pantries and free meal providers, and developing a highly valued, countywide Food Resource Program.
“MontCo Anti-Hunger Network is proud to partner with the County in the distribution of this grant,” said Shannon Isaacs, executive director of the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network. “Food insecurity is rising sharply in Montgomery County, with 52% of food pantries not being able to provide food to everyone visiting them in the last year, because of a 60% rise in pantry visits. In the face of crisis, we need leadership. We are so grateful for the Commissioner's visionary leadership in providing this emergency food purchasing grant to pantries and free meal providers."
Anyone in need of assistance should view MAHN’s list of partnering food pantries and soup kitchens, as well as hours of operation, and more resources here. MAHN maintains a broad network of pantry partners across the County.
"In the Pottstown community, we have seen a significant increase in the numbers of people who have a need for food access,” said Rev. Dr. Vernon Ross of Bethel Community Church Food Pantry. “As an example, our weekly numbers have increased from 50 families to over 95 families and new applications are being accepted weekly. This grant will help Bethel Community Church of Pottstown Food Pantry provide sufficient, nourishing, culturally appropriate food for all families."
