​Garden of Health​ Moves To New Space In Lansdale Business Center

LANSDALE, PA — The Garden of Health Food bank has relocated its operations to a new 1,700 square foot space in the Lansdale Business Center, the food bank announced in a news release earlier this month.

In the release, the food bank said the new location is its first operations center since it was founded in a home garage some two years ago. The decision to relocated was prompted by an in creased demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s amazing how long we were able to operate out of my living room table, but with the pandemic, we just can’t continue the way we were,” Garden of Health founder Carol Bauer said in a statement.

Bauer said the food bank's new space allows for a slew of improvements including a refrigerated storage space, a set schedule for volunteers and a place for donors to drop off items.

“Our growth was stifled. Now we have the means to expand, host regular volunteer hours, food drives, and store donations from food manufacturer that we couldn’t before," she said

The new operations center is located at 650 North Cannon Avenue in Lansdale.

The food bank is now gearing up for two contactless food pickup events on July 16 and August 20. Each pickup event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.

To pick up food during one of these events, one must simply join the drive-thru line in the parking lot and wait. The food bank said volunteers will place one 10-pound box of produce, laundry detergent and gluten-free food in the trunk of each car in line.

The pick up event is open to anyone regardless of home address. No identification is required.

In a release, Garden of Health said it distributed over 85,000 pounds of produce in 2019 and another 55,000 so far in 2020.

Garden of Health considers itself an allergen-free food bank and offers nutritious food for families with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and other dietary restrictions, the release states.

Since the pandemic began, it has provided food to 25 food pantries, the Emanuel EC Church of Souderton’s meal program, Bean Bag Food Program’s Weekly Meal program, Montgomery County Anti-Hunger Network, Montgomery County Senior Adult Activities Center homeless meal program and over 100 individuals.

Looking forward, the food bank plans to hold a grand opening in August and offer educational opportunities focused on nutrition, education and gardening, Bauer said.

“We are so grateful to have found a community partner in Lansdale Business Center who has helped us make this dream a reality,” she said.