Feeding the Community: Keystone Opportunity Center's Fresh for All Program Expands to Meet Growing Demand

In the face of rising food insecurity in Montgomery and Bucks counties, the Keystone Opportunity Center's Fresh for All program has seen a remarkable surge in the number of families it serves. Over the past four years, the amount of fresh produce distributed has nearly doubled, prompting the organization to seek community support to expand its distribution capacity and continue providing this vital lifeline to those in need.

Empowering Families with Nutritious Produce

Addressing the Growing Need

The Fresh for All program, a partnership between the Keystone Opportunity Center and Philabundance, has become a crucial resource for hundreds of families in the region. What started as a small initiative serving around 70 families per week has now grown exponentially, with the program currently providing fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 260 families on a weekly basis.This rapid expansion is a direct response to the escalating need for nutritious food options in the community. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, leading to a 50% decline in food pantry donations and a 36% reduction in the amount of poundage received from Philabundance. As a result, the Keystone Opportunity Center has had to seek out alternative sources of fresh produce, including partnerships with local farms and community gardens.

Ensuring Accessibility and Dignity

The Fresh for All program stands out for its commitment to making fresh, healthy food accessible to all, regardless of income or verification requirements. "Anybody who drives up, as long as we have the bags of food available, they are welcome to pick up a bag of fruits or vegetables," explains Julie Menardi, the coordinator of the program. "There is no income requirement or anything like that."This approach is designed to remove any stigma or barriers that might prevent individuals from accessing the much-needed resources. The program aims to make recipients feel welcomed and respected, with Menardi noting, "We try to make them feel really good because some people are embarrassed."

Expanding Distribution Capacity

To keep up with the growing demand, the Keystone Opportunity Center is now seeking to raise ,000 to purchase a second storage unit for the Fresh for All program. The current distribution setup has become increasingly strained, with the line of recipients often wrapping around the block. "We're at a point where we're growing so much, so the need for more space is becoming obvious," Menardi acknowledges.The additional storage unit will allow the program to expand its distribution capacity, ensuring that more families can receive the fresh produce they need. "Any assistance from the community would be greatly appreciated," Menardi emphasizes. "We're just one organization doing one thing, but it's making a difference in a lot of people's lives."

Fostering Community Partnerships

The Keystone Opportunity Center's Fresh for All program has also fostered a network of community partnerships to supplement its food sources. In addition to the ongoing collaboration with Philabundance, the organization has forged relationships with local farms, gardens, and individual community members who contribute fresh produce and non-perishable items.These partnerships not only help to address the growing need but also strengthen the sense of community and shared responsibility for addressing food insecurity. "Local community places like Garden of Health, the Detweiler Homestead, Bolton Farms; sometimes local people growing vegetables will bring them to us," Menardi explains.By leveraging these collaborative efforts, the Fresh for All program is able to provide a diverse array of fresh, nutritious options to the families it serves, further enhancing the program's impact and sustainability.