In the US, while food is readily available to most Americans, it is still a luxury to many. Between 2013 and 2016, research indicated that Americans’ accessibility to food had improved and that less were reporting hunger. However, a recent study from 2017 revealed the country was starting to face increased obstacles in procuring food. Almost 20% of American children lived in households experiencing “food insecurity,” defined as the uncertainty of affordable and nutritious meals. Results suggested that approximately 40 million people lack the resources to obtain nutritious and healthy food consistently.
BAPS Charities held its annual food drive in Warrington, PA on from September 15 through October 5 to fight hunger and help feed families and individuals. The program benefited Doylestown Food Pantry. Volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds came together to collect approximately over 165 lbs of cereals, canned and dried food items for this cause. Similar food drives were organized across North America by BAPS Charities to assist local and nearby families during the holiday season.
“I am grateful for each and every food bank that helps families in need. Now, more than ever, hunger is a crisis in this world and yet it is not spoken enough. We need to come together to help those in need. Local food banks help fill this need but they need our help and support. I feel privileged to be part of an organization who support our local food bank. This was our first contribution to the local food bank in Doylestown but I am sure this will not be the last. No one should ever go hungry,” – Bhavesh Patel (Volunteer, BAPS Charities)
“We are so very grateful for the donation. We could not provide food for the 120 families a week that rely on the BCHG Community Food pantry at Doylestown without the generosity of donors like yourselves,” -Madelaine R Burgess,( Doylestown food pantry manager)
“Many of those who come to our food pantries fall within the ‘meal gap,’ meaning they make too much money to qualify for federal food assistance, but they make too little to get by. They are struggling to pay for their basic necessities and put food on the table, lead food agency for the county of Bucks. “We are lucky to have donors like BAPS Charities and an extensive food distribution network here in Bucks County, like the Doylestown Food Pantry, to get the food donations to where they are needed most.” -Eileen Albillar (Volunteer & Community Connections Manager, Bucks County Opportunity Council)
