Together, We Fight Food Insecurity
Every day, in every corner of Berks County, people of all ages continue to face hard choices, like whether to buy food or pay a utility bill. Together, we provide help and support to give individuals and families peace of mind during difficult times.
How do we improve access to food?
Part of our mission is to provide the basic necessities of life to those in need. When local people find themselves in need of food, your support ensures they have access to healthy, nutritious foods. Watch this video from Jay Worrall, executive director of Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, as he shares how United Way investments help feed local people during times of crisis or challenges in their lives.
Together, we help in so many ways:
WE HELP SENIORS LIKE CLARENCE
An 84-year-old Kutztown resident, Clarence regularly receives frozen meats, fresh vegetables and other wholesome foods from the food pantry at Friend, Inc, Community Services. So many seniors like Clarence struggle make ends meet, and the United Way supported food pantry is there to help.
WE HAVE THE RX FOR HEALTHY FOODS
United Way grants support the Veggie RX program at Penn State Health St. Joseph’s, which “prescribes” vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables to people dealing with chronic health issues that could improve with a healthier diet. This program helps people living in areas lacking access to fresh food options.
WE HELP IN TIMES OF CRISIS
When COVID-19 caused food needs to skyrocket, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank was able to mobilize quickly, thanks to help and funding from United Way. Within days, food distribution sites were established, food was stocked and volunteers were on-site to distribute this critical need to thousands of people who were suddenly unemployed.
How does your gift to United Way change lives?
Through our unique Community Wide Care approach, your gift helps children succeed in school, empowers families to become financially stable, promotes healthy lifestyles and helps those most in need. Everything we do is focused on Education, Health, Financial Stability and Safety Net Services.Together, we create help, hope and opportunity.
80+
Funded programs, initiatives and grants help people throughout Berks County
33
Agency Partners deliver United Way-funded programs and services to people of all of ages
190,000+
Berks Countians served each year through UW Agency Partners and other investments