WEST CHESTER, PA — State Representative Chris Pielli (D-Chester) has voiced his strong support for resolving the challenges facing the St. Agnes Day Room, a local nonprofit organization that has served the West Chester community for more than 30 years. The facility, which provides vital services to individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness, is at risk of closure due to regulatory complications surrounding food safety regulations.
“As a past Homeless Veterans Program Director, I learned and greatly appreciate that the St. Agnes Day Room has been faithfully serving and feeding the hungry for over 32 years, offering refuge and support to many who have nowhere else to turn,” said Rep. Pielli. “Their dedicated volunteers have worked strenuously to help alleviate the dangerous rise of food insecurity in our community and help folks not only survive but succeed.”
The pressing issue stems from Chester County’s food safety enforcement. Counties with their own health departments, like Chester, have the authority to enforce or exempt certain food safety regulations under state law. While the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) provides a licensing exemption for nonprofit organizations like the St. Agnes Day Room, the PDA cannot override county-level decisions nor issue license exemptions on their behalf.
“Even though the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture allows a license exemption for this type of non-profit service in their (PDA) regulations, the PDA in this case cannot override the County decisions, nor can they provide a license exemption,” explained Pielli. He has urged Chester County officials to consider granting a license exemption and collaborating with the St. Agnes team to ensure the continuation of its services. “This is why I strongly urged the County to consider providing such an exemption and partner with St. Agnes to find a workable long-term solution for any remaining concerns.”
Since the issue arose, Rep. Pielli has held several meetings with both the St. Agnes Day Room staff and Chester County officials to address the situation. He remains optimistic that a resolution can be reached. “I remain hopeful that they will continue working together to enable the Day Room to continue serving and helping those less fortunate in our community,” he stated.
Founded in 1992, the St. Agnes Day Room provides not only daily meals but also groceries, clothing, diapers, and formula to those in need. Its services extend further to include basic nursing care, health referrals, job search assistance, bilingual outreach, holiday programs, and life skills training for families. The Day Room is recognized for its welcoming atmosphere and important role in helping the most vulnerable members of the West Chester community.
The potential loss of the St. Agnes Day Room would leave a significant gap in resources for local residents grappling with poverty and homelessness. Advocates and community leaders stress the need for flexibility and collaboration to address the regulatory hurdles threatening nonprofit operations like those of St. Agnes.
This situation highlights the critical importance of supporting community resources that provide aid to those in need. While the outcome for the St. Agnes Day Room remains uncertain, Pielli’s efforts reflect the wider call to safeguard social services that uplift individuals and families. Moving forward, local and county officials are encouraged to prioritize solutions that protect essential safety nets and strengthen the community as a whole.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.