The Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton. (Credit: Keystone Opportunity Center)
As the season of gratitude approaches, Keystone is reaching out with an urgent request for Thanksgiving and Holiday Food Bag
As federal and state food assistance programs face potential funding cuts, Keystone Opportunity Center is urging community members to help meet a rising need for local food support through volunteering at Cranksgiving and Scouting for Food in November and donating to the organization’s October Thanksgiving Food Bag Drive.
These initiatives are critical to stocking Keystone’s food pantry, which serves hundreds of families struggling with food insecurity in Montgomery and Bucks Counties. The nonprofit says this year’s drives are especially important as demand for food assistance continues to grow, according to a Keystone Opportunity Center press release.
“We’ve seen a 22% increase in families turning to us for help this quarter compared to the same time last year,” said Kyle Foster, Keystone’s Food Pantry manager. “With expected cuts to key food programs and the rising cost of groceries, many of our neighbors are finding it harder to make ends meet. Our shelves are under more pressure than ever, and every volunteer, every food donation, and every gift card truly makes a difference.”
Thanksgiving Food Bag Drive
As the season of gratitude approaches, Keystone is reaching out with an urgent request for Thanksgiving and Holiday Food Bags to support local families in need. Donations are significantly down this year, even as the number of requests for assistance continues to rise.
Interested individuals can donate a complete Thanksgiving Food Bag or a $25 gift card to GIANT, ALDI, or Walmart to help provide a turkey for each family. Gluten-free bags are especially needed this year.
In a large, reusable tote bag, please include one box instant mashed potatoes, two cans of green beans, two cans of corn, one can of cranberry sauce, one jar or packet of turkey gravy, one box of stuffing, one jar of applesauce, two cans of fruit mix or pineapple, one brownie or cookie mix, one can or pack of ground coffee, one iced tea or lemonade mix and $25 gift card to GIANT, ALDI or Walmart for turkey purchase.
Donations can be dropped off at Keystone Opportunity Center’s back food pantry entrance at 104 N. Main Street in Souderton through the end of October on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., said the release.
Cranksgiving
Cranksgiving is a family-friendly community event where local cyclists race through town, stopping at designated stores to buy nonperishable groceries for Keystone’s pantry. The event, organized by Scooters Bike Shop in Souderton, will include stops at Landis Food Store, with all collected items delivered to Keystone for sorting and distribution.
The event will be held on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Keystone Opportunity Center Food Pantry in Souderton. Volunteers will help unload, weigh, organize, and shelve donated items. No prior experience is required, and families are welcome. Sign up at Cranksgiving Volunteer Sign-Up, said the release.
Scouting for Food
Scouting for Food, led by the Boy Scouts of America, is one of the largest food drives in the country. Local Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venturers will collect donations across the Souderton area, benefiting Keystone’s pantry. Last year, thanks to their efforts and the community’s generosity, the troops collected and donated more than 11,460 pounds of food to support families in need.
The event will be held on November 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed at three collection locations to help receive, sort, and organize food donations. Participants can sign up for full-day or partial shifts at Scouting for Food Volunteer Sign-Up, said the release.
To learn more about Keystone Opportunity Center’s programs and services and how one can support families in need, visit www.keystoneopportunity.org
