Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS) nourishes the community of Chester County and beyond through its Food Market and other services to help those in need.

This vital program plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and ensuring that community members have access to nutritious and wholesome food.

PACS’s Food Market is a cornerstone of its efforts to combat hunger in the Phoenixville area. It is a distribution center for various food items, including fresh produce, pantry staples, and other essentials. Its primary goal is to provide individuals and families facing food insecurity with access to nourishing meals, fostering a sense of dignity and well-being.

Last year, PACS had an enormous impact on the area serving over 65,000 individuals. On average, about 130 people visited their Market each day and around 288 families utilized the monthly grocery orders program there.

The Food Market operates with a client-centered approach, recognizing the diverse needs and preferences of those seeking assistance. It strives to offer foods that accommodate dietary requirements and cultural preferences.

Through private donations and collections, over 110,000 pounds of food was distributed to support the community.

Additionally, PACS has established Food Recovery partnerships with a number of area businesses and farmers such as Wegmans, Giant, Trader Joe’s, Wawa, and Vanguard. This collaborative approach ensures a sustainable supply of fresh and nutritious options for the community and netted PACS more than 550,000 pounds of food that would have otherwise been wasted. Not only does this effort offer a supply chain for the Market, but they also help PACS provide food support to 33 local agencies.

PACS upgraded from a 3,600 square-foot location to a 24,000-square-foot home base brought on by the amount of need within the community. This upgrade allowed more room for better refrigerators and freezers as it continues to grow. Plus, they offer food delivery to neighbors ages 60 and older.

“Whether you are filling a GREEN tote bag every other month, hosting a neighborhood food drive, or just dropping off a donation every so often, there are so many easy ways to support your community,” reads a recent PACS impact flier.

The Food Pantry stands as a testament to PACS’s commitment to addressing the fundamental needs of the Phoenixville community. Through the tireless efforts of volunteers, partnerships, and the support of donors, PACS continues to be a lifeline for those experiencing food insecurity, fostering a stronger and more resilient community for everyone.