UPDATE: Hundreds of Delaware County residents rallied together Saturday, donating tons of food in a powerful display of community support amid a critical food crisis. The Community Food Drive took place at the former Don Guanella School, aiming to assist the county’s food pantries that serve 77,000 residents reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
With the federal government shutdown causing delays in SNAP benefits since October 1, local officials emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We wanted to do a countywide food drive to try to help fill the pantries,” stated Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We knocked out the middle man. Volunteers are taking food and putting it straight into the pantries’ cars.”
The need for immediate assistance was stark. Taylor explained that SNAP recipients are currently facing a week-long delay in their usual benefits, leaving many struggling to put food on the table. “They’re playing with people’s lives,” she said, criticizing the federal response to the crisis.
Just hours before the event, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily halted a court order aimed at restoring SNAP benefits, creating further uncertainty for families in need. This followed a court ruling that mandated the administration utilize an emergency fund of over $4.6 billion to provide partial benefits for November.
As cars lined up along Sproul Road early Saturday, community members expressed their commitment to support their neighbors. “It’s amazing to see Delaware County coming out for people to help their neighbors,” remarked U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, who joined volunteers at the event.
The food drive officially began at 9:00 AM, but donors arrived as early as 7:15 AM, with lines forming well before the start. Volunteers quickly mobilized, loading food donations directly into pantry vehicles. “Our team got here at 7 and the first people came to donate food at 7:15,” Taylor noted, highlighting the incredible turnout.
Approximately eight local food pantries participated, including the Share Food Program, which serves around 70,000 people in Delaware County. Executive Director George Matysik described the community’s response as vital amid the federal government’s failures. “For us, at a time when the federal government is failing us, to have the community rally and support like this is incredibly important,” he said.
Matysik reported a staggering increase in demand, with a twelvefold rise in new registrants seeking assistance over the past two weeks. “This makes a huge difference,” he emphasized, praising the variety of food donations that allow families to choose products they need.
The collaborative effort was driven by the passion of volunteers. “What more could we ask for?” said volunteer Sandy Whitis as she directed cars. “This is what Delco does: They show up for each other.” Fellow volunteer Shannon Thomas echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are really lucky today to be here supporting our residents in need.”
Community members expressed heartfelt gratitude as they donated. “It’s amazing,” one donor remarked, visibly moved by the overwhelming response. “I couldn’t believe it when I drove up. I was really glad to see everybody coming out and supporting one another.”
Local leaders are urging continued support beyond the food drive. “All of our pantries are looking for volunteers on a regular basis,” Taylor advised, highlighting the need for ongoing contributions to help those facing food insecurity.
As the drive concluded, the outpouring of support was a testament to the community’s resilience. “I love our county, and our county always shows up to support each other,” Taylor said. “This is just a testament to that.”
Donations can still be made to local pantries, and residents can find resources at the newly launched “Community Resources” web page at DelcoPA.Gov/Community-Resources. The urgency of the situation remains, and community solidarity is crucial as Delaware County navigates these challenging times.
