Philabundance’s story began in 1984 with one person’s vision. Pamela Rainey Lawler noticed an abundance of perfectly good food going to waste and simultaneously saw people in her community struggling with hunger. Moved by this disparity, she started a food rescue operation using just her Subaru, aiming to bridge the gap between surplus food and those facing food insecurity. This laid the foundation for Philabundance, which has since become a beacon of hope and a leader in addressing food security in the Philadelphia region.
Over its 40 years, Philabundance has evolved from a small food rescue organization to an innovative, impactful and collaborative organization distributing more than 50 million pounds of food a year to those in need of emergency food services across nine counties across two states.
Throughout the year, we’re hosting a series of inspiring and impactful events to commemorate this milestone and continue our mission to alleviate food insecurity. From fundraising galas to volunteer drives, educational workshops to community outreach initiatives, there’s something for everyone to get involved in. Check out our calendar and be a part of the movement towards a hunger-free future. Together, we can make a difference!
At Philabundance, our dedication to understanding and addressing the challenges of food insecurity drives our constant evolution and expansion. Through our 40 years of working to end hunger, we strive to uplift and empower those in need while advocating for systemic change in our communities.
Key milestones in our journey include:
As we reflect on our journey and celebrate our achievements, we remain steadfast in our mission to combat hunger and build a brighter, more nourished future for all.
Help Us Continue to Fight to End Hunger