Philabundance is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Philadelphia and the largest food bank in the region. Originally founded in 1984 by Pamela Rainey Lawler, they merged with the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank in 2005 to create the current entity.

Fast forward a few decades, and what Ms. Lawler started in the back of her car now serves about 90,000 people per week in the Delaware Valley. By rescuing the food from restaurants and giving it to people in need, Philabundance provides an avenue for all Philadelphians to give back to those less fortunate.

Last year, Philabundance rescued almost 50 million pounds of food from restaurants around Philadelphia. Many of the people receiving aid are working class individuals, who just need a little help making ends meet. Roughly a third of these recipients are children, 15% are seniors, and the rest are mostly comprised of military veterans and single parents.

Philabudance offers a variety of programs for which you may get involved. Such initiatives include Grocers Against Hunger, Kid’s Bites, Gleaning, and Fresh For All, their free produce initiative. This program allows hunger-stricken residents the opportunity to receive healthy food options instead of the cheaper, processed alternatives. They host these events every Friday at 11 different locations in the Delaware Valley.

If you would like to get involved, you can donate food, money or time. They have a great volunteer program and plenty of opportunities to do so as they are always looking for help passing out produce or boxing donations in their warehouse.