Bucks County Opportunity Council recently acquired a new refrigerated truck to help expand its food distribution efforts in Bucks County, writes Jeff Werner for the Patch.
Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie attended the unveiling. Other key Bucks County and Bucks County Opportunity Council staff also attended.
“This truck came about as a partnership with the County of Bucks, utilizing grant funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) designated for COVID relief efforts to help alleviate food-insecurity in the county,” said Elizabeth Zbinden, the council’s food program manager.
After two years of delays, the need for the program remains. The new truck will support the organization’s Retail Rescue food operations. Retail Rescue recovers and redistributes surplus food from grocery stores and other retailers that are otherwise wasted. BCOC works with Yardley and Warrington Wegmans, Amazon Fresh Bensalem, Doylestown’s Acme Markets and Target, and Giant Food Market in Feasterville.
The rescued food is distributed using BCOC’s network of pantry partners throughout the county. This ensures it stays fresh and shelf-viable.
“We are expecting to be able to serve 20 percent more families with this additional truck,” said client services director Heather Foor.
Read more about the Bucks County Opportunity Council in the Patch.
