Garden of Health Food Bank Reaches Major Milestone in 2024

Garden of Health Food Bank Reaches Major Milestone in 2024: Distributes Over 1.5 Million Pounds of Food so Far This Year: Donations Needed to Continue to Meet the Increasing Demand

North Wales, PA, [Insert Date] — Garden of Health Food Bank, a vital force in combating food insecurity, is proud to announce it has distributed 1,500,000 pounds of food so far in 2024. Over over 65 hunger relief agencies in Montgomery County has the ability to come to us to pick up food. This milestone comes amid a rising food insecurity crisis, with the number of individuals facing hunger in Montgomery County surging from 51,400 in 2021 to 73,000 in 2022, according to Feeding America, an increase of more than 40%. This number continues to rise.

Despite this major achievement, the demand for food is outpacing supply. "We are incredibly proud of this achievement, but we know there is still so much more work to be done," said Carol Bauer, Founder and CEO of Garden of Health Food Bank. "The alarming rise in food insecurity is being felt deeply by families, and food pantries across our region are struggling to keep up. With 50% of local food pantries reporting they don’t have enough food to serve the people coming to them, and at least one pantry selling assets to stay operational, the need for community support has never been greater.”

The jump in food insecurity across Montgomery County mirrors national trends, with food prices, inflation, and economic instability pushing more families into hardship.

A Call for Donations

As the crisis continues to deepen, Garden of Health Food Bank is launching its 2024 year end fundraising appeal to help keep up with growing demand. The organization is asking the community for support in the form of donations, both monetary and food donations. Funds raised will go directly to continuing our mission to end hunger in Montgomery County. Nonperishable food donations can be dropped off at anytime at 201 Church Rd, North Wales PA 19454. They have a donation drop box by their door on the backside of the building. Monetary donations can be mailed to the same address or you can go online at www.gardenofhealthinc.org/donate to donate. Perishable items please call 267-905-9569 to schedule a time to drop them off.

"We are calling on our generous community, individuals and businesses, to help us keep up with this unprecedented demand. We have seen first-hand how food insecurity affects our neighbors, and we need your support to continue our mission," Bauer added. Items needed are: low sugary cereal, dried and low sodium canned beans and lentils, low sodium canned vegetables and soups, healthy snacks like dried fruit, seeds and nuts, salsa and chips, protein bars (these are great to give to the homeless), shelf stable milk, whole grain pasta including gluten free pasta and pasta sauce, flour including gluten free, brown rice, etc.

Help Needed from Food Manufacturers and Businesses

Garden of Health Food Bank is appealing to food manufacturers and businesses for large-scale donations of fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, shelf stable items, and allergen-friendly products.

We are hoping for a long term commitment like we have with Alderfer Eggs a local egg distributor in Telford who donates to us every other week! We need long term commitments to help make an impact on food insecurity in our County.

Volunteer Opportunities

Delivery Drivers: twice a week we are in need of delivery drivers to take food from our warehouse to food pantries across the county, with use of the food bank’s vans.

Administrative Office Help: We are looking for volunteers at the North Wales headquarters to help with administrative tasks two days a week.

Marketing Support: We are seeking help to promote our fundraising events, manager our website and digital presence

To arrange donations, volunteer efforts, or partnerships, visit www.gardenofhealthinc.org or contact the food bank directly.