In an effort to combat area food insecurity, Montgomery County Community College and students from the North Penn High School are working together to host a free food distribution event that’s open to students and community members.

MCCC’s Wellness Center and its Hospitality Institute, along with Sharing Excess North Penn chapter, will hold the event on Blue Bell Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Morris Road Lot D, Tuesday, April 9 from 3:30-5:30 PM (or until food runs out.)

Students and community members will be able to select from an assortment of fresh produce on campus.

The rain or shine event is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly recommended to ensure food capacity. Attendees must bring their own bags or containers to the event.

Sharing Excess is a Philadelphia-based, national non-profit organization that facilitates the distribution of free produce donated by retailers, wholesalers, and farmers, to local food banks and community organizations, reducing food waste and increasing food access, according to its website.

Sharing Excess North Penn is a local branch of Sharing Excess. North Penn High School senior Derek Schneider founded the club last year.

The event at MCCC will promote the consumption of healthy foods and sustainable practices. Students can visit the campus quad, while community members can join the event in the Morris Road Parking Lot D.

The event will also be accepting donations for MCCC’s Stock up for Success food pantries located at its Pottstown and Blue Bell campuses. Items needed include shelf stable food and personal care items. 

“Sustainability is really a huge focus of this event,” said Dr. Nichole Kang, Director of MCCC’s Wellness Center, who is organizing the event with Jennifer Fanega, Food Sustainability Fellow in the Hospitality Institute, and Derek Schneider, Founder and President of Sharing Excess North Penn.

For students and community members, there aren’t many places to shop for fresh produce this time of year outside of a grocery store, Kang said. The food distribution event provides greater access to healthy foods.

The event will also feature a demonstration from students in the culinary program on how to incorporate produce into nutritious dishes.

The college also collaborates with Gwynedd Mercy University, Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, Manna on Main Street, and other county partners in a College Student Basic Needs Program (CSBNP) to help students with food, housing, and other necessities.

To learn more about the many supportive services, visit Montgomery County Community College’s website.