WILMINGTON, DE — WSFS Bank has initiated its annual Food Drive to address food insecurity in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware area. From now through December 31, 2024, WSFS banking offices in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will serve as collection points for nonperishable food donations from associates, customers, and community members.
The Food Drive kicked off this week with events at the WSFS Bank Center in Wilmington and WSFS Bank Place in Philadelphia, in collaboration with the Sunday Breakfast Mission and Sharing Excess. Grocery bags will be distributed in various Delaware publications for community members to fill and donate at their nearest WSFS branch.
According to Feeding America, the number of people living in food-insecure households rose to over 44 million in 2022. With nearly half of those individuals unlikely to qualify for SNAP benefits, the need for community support is urgent.
Vernita L. Dorsey, Senior Vice President, Director of Community Strategy at WSFS Bank, emphasized the drive’s importance, saying, “Many households are struggling to put food on the table due to the surging cost of living and essentials. We hope to make a difference by partnering with Sharing Excess and the Sunday Breakfast Mission. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a big difference.”
Evan Ehlers, Founder and CEO of Sharing Excess, expressed his gratitude for WSFS’s involvement, stating, “WSFS Customers have a unique opportunity to make a direct impact in the fight against food insecurity by donating at their local banking office. We deeply value WSFS’ ongoing dedication to supporting their communities.”
Rev. Tom Laymon of the Sunday Breakfast Mission highlighted the critical need for donations this year, noting, “Sunday Breakfast Mission is seeing more people than ever coming to them for help. We need the food donations to flood in so that hungry families can have a great Thanksgiving season.”
Additionally, WSFS will sponsor Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger event from December 2-6 at Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia, further supporting efforts against hunger through collaboration with Philabundance.
Last year, WSFS donated over 82,000 pounds of food through its Food Drive and Camp Out for Hunger. The bank encourages residents to contribute nonperishable items at WSFS locations to support this vital cause.
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