The Pottstown Area Food Collaborative (PAFC) has launched an initiative to distribute free Thanksgiving meal kits to residents in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. This effort brings together multiple local organizations, including the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, YWCA Tri-County Area, Pottstown High School, and Pottstown Hospital-Tower Health, among others. The goal is to streamline the distribution process and ensure that families in need receive a nutritious Thanksgiving meal.
The collaborative is facilitating food drives to gather the necessary ingredients for the meal kits. Community members can reserve their meal kits by completing a simple online or paper form. The distribution will take place on November 24, from 16:00 to 18:00, across eight designated sites in the Pottstown area. More details and the reservation form are available on the PAFC website.
Community Engagement and Support
Since its inception in 2019, the PAFC has grown to include over 20 member organizations dedicated to providing food and related services. The initiative is led by Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow, alongside Craig Colistra, Senior Program Officer at the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, and Jacqui Good, Executive Director of the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, who serve on the executive committee.
“This is one of the more expansive programs the PAFC has taken on,” said Anderson. “We are excited to have so many nonprofits coordinating and collaborating to amplify impact. We hope to distribute at least 800 meal kits with our community partners.” The Pottstown Cluster will manage the collection and storage of the food items, coordinate volunteers, and oversee the distribution process.
Building a Stronger Community
The PAFC has also supported various community initiatives, including the development of the Agricultural Learning Center at Lundale Farm and organizing food tastings and gardening programs. To aid local residents, the collaborative has produced an updated food resource map, providing essential information on food access in the area.
In light of this ambitious project, Good expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to work with so many community partners, demonstrating what can be achieved when organizations partner together.”
Those interested in joining the collaborative or seeking more information about the Thanksgiving Meal Kit project can reach out via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. The collective effort not only addresses immediate food needs but also strengthens community ties, showcasing the power of collaboration in addressing social issues.
