Falls Twp. Kicks Off Year-Round Food Drive

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Food drives tend to get a big boost around the holidays. But, officials in Falls Township are now working to make sure those in need get fed all year round.

Township Fire Marshal Rich Dippolito is heading up the effort in Falls to run a year-found food drive to benefit local food pantries.

"A kid should never be hungry," said Dippolito.

Dippolito noted seeing local children lining up early for free breakfasts at school because there was nothing for them to eat at home.

He and other officials are inviting Falls residents and others to contribute non-perishable food items and toiletries whenever they're able. The public is invited to drop off the items at the fire marshal's office in the Falls Township municipal building, at 188 Lincoln Hwy. in Fairless Hills.

Donors may also contact the office to arrange a pickup.

Donations will benefit a different Falls-area food pantry each month.

A representative of Mary’s Cupboard Food Bank, which is located at St. Frances Cabrini Church on Oxford Valley Road, said the pantry is always in need of peanut butter, jelly and cereal, as well as various household and personal care items including toothpaste, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper and paper towels.

Food pantries collect other non-perishable food items, including canned fruits and vegetables, as well as soup, canned pastas, crackers, cookies, bagged pasta, spaghetti sauce and more that’s distributed to people in need.

How to get involved

To arrange a food pickup, email Dippolito at fallsfoodbank@fallstwp.com or send a message
through the Falls Fire Marshal Facebook page. Donations will be picked up the first Wednesday of the month. Food should be left in bags at the curb for pickup.

Items also may be dropped off at the Falls Township municipal building, 188 Lincoln Highway on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. If you know a local food pantry that would benefit from food donations, please share with Dippolito.