Dear Friend,

As our community continues to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, families across the Delaware Valley are facing the challenges of summer hunger months earlier than usual.

As you know, school meal programs provide a vital food safety net for thousands of local children. But when school is out for any reason, these kids are stuck spending long days at home with empty stomachs. That leaves many parents, who are already struggling to make ends meet, with even more difficult budget choices.

Fortunately, generous friends like you are already fighting summer hunger by helping Philabundance and our network of partner agencies respond to the increased demand. And we are always grateful for your support, but never more so than now.

You’ve probably grown familiar with reading a message from Glenn Bergman in this space. After five years serving as Executive Director, March 31 was Glenn’s final day with Philabundance. We are so grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in his next chapter.

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I’m John Hollway, and I became the Chair of the Board of Directors in January. The day-to-day operations of Philanbundance are in the very capable hands of the Senior Leadership team until the our new CEO begins on June 2nd.In the meantime, I am honored to share news with you about how your gifts make a difference in our community.

In this edition of The Feed, you can read about how your gifts help children and their families, like Luke and his dad and grandmother (page 3). You’ve helped turn a tough year around for their family through your generosity.

I’m so grateful you’ve continued to partner with Philabundance to provide nutritious food to children and their families during such a critical time. Your gifts make a difference in children’s lives every day, but especially when schools are closed and meals aren’t available.

With each meal you help provide, children can worry a little less about what they’ll eat this summer. Instead, they can play, laugh, grow and dream.

Thank you for caring for children, families and seniors in our community amid these challenging times. I cannot thank you enough for rallying around your hungry neighbors who have needed you most during this crisis. Your partnership truly changes lives for the better.

Gratefully,

John Hollway
Board Chair