Why Are My Chesco Neighbors Hungry? Food Bank Leader To Speak

WEST CHESTER, PA — Every year the Chester County Community Foundation presents Sweet Charity, Chester County’s signature charitable dessert and networking event.

But this year's event wasn't going to be the same, and planners considered the foundation's concerns in the conditions arising in the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the need for a something just a little fun.

“We could all use something sweet as a pick me up during these challenging times,” said Karen Simmons, President and CEO of the Chester County Community Foundation.

The resulting event plan was a series of talks on food issues, along with a way for supporters to get out and sample some sweets.

“The pandemic exposed many issues affecting our friends and neighbors in Chester County, issues like people going hungry and relying on food banks, grocery stores running out of food, and the distribution of nutritious meals to high-risk groups like seniors," Simmons said. "While we miss gathering in person with friends, sponsors, and guests, we are looking forward to Food for Thought: Sweet Charity edition.”

The series will begin with two important discussions on food-related social justice topics affecting Chester County.

On March 2, Wendy Gaynor, Director of Food Security at the Chester County Food Bank, and Jodi Gauker, Executive Director of Lundale Farm, will speak on food security and address questions like: Why are my neighbors going hungry?

On March 16, Terry Brett, CEO of Kimberton Whole Foods, Pete Flynn, Owner of Pete’s Produce, and Emily Kovach, Editor-in-Chief, PA Eats, will speak on growing and sourcing local food and address questions like: Where does my food come from?

Because the 2021 event cannot convene in-person due to COVID-19, the Community Foundation reinvented it as Food for Thought: Sweet Charity. The series will begin March 2 at noon on Zoom and again at noon on March 16. The discussions are free and open to the public, all that is need is to register here.

The second part of the series is a charitable way to support the Chester County Community Foundation. The public is encouraged to purchase a Sweet Charity Golden Ticket. Tickets can be exchanged for four gourmet desserts to savor at home from Carlino’s Market at 128 W. Market St. in West Chester.

Those who want to participate are encouraged to purchase a ticket by March 18.

Guests can then visit Carlino’s Market with their Golden Ticket from March 25 through 27. In the spirit of Sweet Charity’s past competitions, guests will be asked to vote for their favorite dessert and join a final Zoom discussion on March 30 to discover the winner and learn tips from the Executive Pastry Chef, Jessica Perez. Dessert-themed prizes will also be awarded.

Proceeds from Sweet Charity benefit the Chester County Community Foundation. Event registration and ticket information can be found here.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Headquartered in West Chester’s Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds nearly $70 million in trust and annually awards $3.5 million in grants and scholarships. www.chescocf.org.

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