PHILADELPHIA, PA — Nutritional Development Services (NDS), an agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is once again hosting its annual “One-Can Meal” food drive. This initiative, now in its 35th year, invites the community to participate meaningfully in the Lenten season through acts of charity and support for those in need.
Last year, the drive collected approximately 25,000 pounds of non-perishable items, providing substantial assistance to hundreds of food-insecure families and individuals in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Those interested in supporting the NDS’ Community Food Program can purchase canned goods, snacks, and more online through You Give Goods. In-person donations are also welcome and can be coordinated by contacting Ms. Denise Hopkins at NDS.
All donated goods received from now until March 26 will help stock the shelves of NDS’ network of 50 food cupboards throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. These include five food cupboards operated by Catholic Social Services, five soup kitchens, and numerous community outreach programs.
In an effort to promote community engagement, NDS is partnering with elementary and high schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Parish Religious Education Programs (PREP) to organize collections within their school communities. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to collect non-perishable “one-can” meal items such as ravioli, beef stew, and corned beef hash to benefit those in need.
In addition to the “One-Can Meal” food drive, faithful can participate in the Rice Bowl, an initiative of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). This faith-in-action program offers a tangible way to incorporate prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into the Lenten journey. Notably, a quarter of all donations made to the Rice Bowl support NDS and are used to combat hunger and poverty locally.
Join the NDS in making a difference this Lenten season by contributing to the “One-Can Meal” food drive. Your participation can help ensure that no family in the Greater Philadelphia area goes hungry.
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