One of my favorite new fall traditions here at BMPC is our big September food drive. Modeled after our longstanding annual Souper Bowl of Caring collection that takes place in February, we all have the opportunity in the fall to fill the Narthex on a Sunday morning with donations of non-perishable items that are whisked away to our local food pantries supporting them in supporting their communities.
This summer, the church has been phenomenal in bringing in non-perishable items each week as our local pantries here in Lower Merion have had the number of guests double this season.
This Sunday, September 22, all the donations you bring to church will be taken a little further away to four of our sister Presbyterian Churches who run food pantries out of their buildings.
West Kensington Ministry started a food program during the pandemic as the community's needs, especially those of newly arrived immigrant families, became clear.
New River Presbyterian Church in West Philadelphia runs one of the smallest pantries we support. It is available to folks in their neighborhood with nowhere else to turn for that bag of groceries that will get them through the week.
Deacon Grace Marable founded and continues to run the pantry out of Bethel Presbyterian Church in North Philadelphia. The pantry gives away food to around 600 people per month and receives its most significant financial and food donations from BMPC.
TM Thomas Presbyterian Church serves a hot meal to around 200 people each month, and when they have the resources, they always send guests away with a bag of non-perishables to take home with them.
Each bag of food, cereal box, can of soup, and tin of tuna brought to church this Sunday will make a difference in the lives of families connected to our partners. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and your ongoing commitment to fighting hunger in Greater Philadelphia.
Recommended donations include cold cereals, spaghetti sauce, canned meals, soups (particularly hearty ones), peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna and chicken, canned fruit or vegetables, canned beans, applesauce, dry pasta, macaroni and cheese, crackers, instant oatmeal (packets), granola bars, and single-serving snacks.
