As I've waited for borders to open and family matters to resolve, I've been spending a lot of my time at Food Connection, a local food bank run out of Ezekiel Baptist Church and partnered with Philabundance. In general, food banks cover the gaps in provisions caused by high cost, food availability, and low income. For more than 35 years, Philabundance has focused on providing emergency food in order to relieve hunger in five counties in PA and four counties in NJ. Food Connection receives food donations from several surrounding grocers and food programs (like Philabundance), and distributes that food to 100+ individual families weekly.

Over the past year and a half, I have seen first hand the immediate impact this service has on a new client, and the lasting impact it has on long time attendees. With assistance from Philabundance, and the committed volunteers who show up and show out weekly, Food Connection's potential is limitless.

This September, Food Connection provided 22,591 pounds of food to over 215 individual families. So far this year, Food Connection has provided 168,207 pounds of food too over 480 individual families. Counted all at once, that food fed:

And the year isn't over yet!

With this donation we hope to provide the following:

Over the past year, I have been honored to recognize my passion for service, spend cherished time with family and friends, and grow tremendously as a person. I would like to in turn honor and uplift a place that made such growth possible. In lieu of gifts, please consider donating to Food Connection to help bolster it's positive impact on our communities. And, if you want to take part in all of the magic, feel free to reach out for more ways to help and/or volunteer!

Much Love,

-Rayven