The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board’s (VFTCB) 9th Annual Freedom from Hunger Food Drive has set an organizational record, and surpassed its 60,000-pound goal, by raising the monetary equivalent of more than 100,000 pounds of food.

That means the VFTCB’s total contribution for 2023 (combined with the spring drive) was 132,044. The fundraiser has contributed 264,044 pounds of food over the lifetime of the drive, which began in 2015.

“We are blown away by the support from our members and partners,” said Mike Bowman, President & CEO of the VFTCB. “Key leaders in this community truly stepped up, and we’re beyond grateful to fight hunger together with them.”

The fall food drive ran through Oct. 31 to continue to build awareness around the increased need in Montgomery County due to the impact of the rising cost of food, which jumped more than 10% over the last year.  This fall’s fundraiser – once again held exclusively online – supports local food pantries and soup kitchens struggling to feed more in the community with fewer funds, and to get to a lifetime contribution of at least 224,000 pounds. The funds will help purchase highly needed requested food items like eggs, poultry, ground beef, and paper products.

The VFTCB again partnered with the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN), a coalition of hunger relief organizations working together to keep families stable with food assistance. MAHN provides resources to almost 70 free meal providers and food pantries that feed those who are food insecure in Montco.

“Through the collective spirit of our community, the fall Freedom from Hunger Food Drive has not only surpassed its fundraising goal, raising over $8,000 but has also fueled the vital mission of MontCo Anti-Hunger Network,” said Amanda Musselman, Executive Director of MAHN.

“Together, we stand united against the growing hunger crisis faced by our neighbors, ensuring that over sixty food pantries and meal providers receive the nutritious food resources they need. The success of this initiative reflects our shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board for their steadfast leadership in championing this annual endeavor. “

The VFTCB’s spring drive raised the monetary equivalent of 32,000 pounds of food for a total to date of 164,000 pounds over the life of the initiative so far.

Besides individual donations, several businesses contributed at least $500, including Blossom Café in Skippack, Workhorse Brewing Company in King of Prussia, Sheraton Valley Forge, and the King of Prussia Mall.

Per Nokidhunger.org, for every dollar donated, seven meals – or 12 pounds of food – can be provided by using money to buy food in bulk to give to families in need. Monetary donations are most impactful to aid with purchasing high-demand and much-needed items, including for personal care, such as toothpaste/toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, diapers, underwear, t-shirts, etc.

The Freedom from Hunger Food Drive benefits all people accessing food pantry services and was created as a farewell “gift” to Pope Francis in 2015 when the Pontiff stayed in Montgomery County at the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

To date, the VFTCB has collected more than 164,000 pounds of food to feed the hungry in Montco. In its ninth year, the drive continues to support the community that the tourism board diligently promotes to visitors across the nation, and around the world. 

To donate, visit www.valleyforge.org/hunger.

If anyone needs assistance, view the list of MAHN’s food pantries and soup kitchens here: https://www.montcoantihunger.org/mahn-member-food-pantries.html.