In 1990, a simple prayer: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" was delivered to a youth group at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC. This gave birth to an idea: Why not harness the energy of Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football, food, and fun, to unite the nation for a higher good? Since then, millions of dollars and cans of soup have been donated to tackle hunger. St. Andrews is supporting the mission this year!
During the Annual Meeting on February 2nd, soup will be served in the Upper Hall in honor of the Souper Bowl of Caring. All parishioners and guests are welcome. Canned soup and/or monetary donations are much appreciated and benefit the Coventry Food Pantry. Cans of soup should be placed in the collection baskets in the Biddle room; our youth will collect all monetary donations before the meeting. Consider sharing your culinary skills by signing up to bring a soup to share.
Feeding Our Neighbors and Filling Our Hearts
Coventry Food Pantry (CFP) has been thriving for over 40 years to-date. Their mission – and ours – is to create a hunger free community throughout northern Chester County by distributing food and basic household supplies to individuals and families in need. After the flooding from hurricane Agnes in 1972 many neighbors were left hungry. It was in this need the pantry was founded. CFP supports residents in the Owen J. Roberts school district with help from donations and state funding. CFP gives out monthly supplies and hosts other programs and special distributions. At the end of summer CFP provides the children of clients with school bags and supplies. They also provide fixings for Thanksgiving and holiday meals to support individuals and families during those times. About 55 to 65 families are served per month, which represents 200 – 250 individuals.
Food Collection: The pantry holds its monthly food distribution on the first Tuesday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Those who register as clients and meet certain income requirements receive a wagon full of supplies via drive up – they don’t even have to get out of their cars. CFP relies heavily on donations from the local community to supplement the state programs. About half the food and supplies that clients receive come directly from people like you through physical and monetary donations. St. Andrew's contributes over 30 cans and boxes of dry goods and non-perishable food stuffs each month.
Weekend Backpack Program: Good nutrition over the weekend helps children return to school feeling fresh and ready to learn instead of being sick, weak, or unable to concentrate. Hunger also puts kids at risk for health and developmental problems. CFP hosts a backpack program in the OJR school district. Food is distributed to qualified students at the end of each week in backpacks; the guidance counselors identify kids who are struggling, and CFP supplies them with food for the weekend.
Where to donate: Collection baskets are set up in the Biddle Room at St. Andrew's. You can also drop off food stuffs directly to the CFP; there is a brown collection bin outside the pantry that is accessible 24/7 by the front entrance.
Monetary donations: CFP is a 501(c) 3 organization and donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to: Coventry Food Pantry - 692 W. Schuylkill Rd., Unit 1, Pottstown, PA 19465.
Volunteer: Sometimes the most valuable thing you can donate to the CFP is your time. Do you have a school group that needs community service? Do you own a truck and are willing to help when we pick up large orders? We will find something for you to do. For more information e-mail Amanda (volunteer coordinator) at volunteerCFP@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your name and your availability.
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