The Garden of Health Inc. Food Bank recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting on a new home in North Wales. The nonprofit works to resolve food insecurity for Bucks and Montgomery residents, specifically filling the need for fresh produce and allergen-friendly foods.

Garden of Health is a supplier to over 35 local food pantries. Its volunteers connect local food pantries to enable them to offer appropriate substitutes for wheat, eggs, dairy, nuts, and other allergens, which are not often donated. In 2021, they distributed 383,000 pounds of healthy food to community members in need.

The program was started by a Souderton mom, Carol Bauer, after her daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Unfortunately, most staples donated to local food banks are not allergy friendly.

The Bauers quickly realized the conundrum that allergic food pantry users commonly face: Eat what is supplied and get sick or do without and go hungry.

From there, Bauer took charge and launched Garden of Heath in 2015 to fill the gaps.

The June 9 event marked the organization’s move into a new warehouse. The new space — 7,500 sq. ft. of it — will not only hold additional dry goods, but its ability to fit a walk-in refrigerator expands capacity for perishables. Further, the site is being readied for an aquaponic garden and meeting space for educational programs.

“Our new warehouse will allow us to eliminate hunger here in Montgomery County. Now, we can accept more donations and keep food that is grown and produced here from leaving the county,” said Bauer, Founder and Chief Operations Officer, Garden of Health Inc. Food Bank.

Ambler Savings Bank is a frequent supporter of the organization. It is currently offering a $5,000 matching grant for donations made through June 30 to support the expansion.

Donations can be made at Garden of Health’s website.