Food Distribution, Food Pantry (Distributes to the Public)

Bernardine Center's Food Cupboard supplies nutritious food to the economically poor residents on the west side of Chester and its adjacent neighborhoods. The Center interviews and evaluates all clients to establish the legitimacy of their need. which may include limited income, unemployment, delay in support check or food stamps, recent hospitalization, or loss of home. BC provides 15 family meals each month to households that are below 150% of the poverty line. For example if a family of 4 has a net monthly income less than $1,534, they qualify for supplemental food programs.

BC never turns a hungry person away empty-handed and will refer them to appropriate organizations and agencies for assistance. Spanish translators are available. The Food Cupboard is open one day and one evening per week and serves approximately 500 persons per month. As a result of its ongoing assessment of client needs, the Center expanded the Food Cupboard to include a home delivery program for shut-ins and the elderly. Currently, home delivery is made to 39 shut-ins per month.

Sometimes we are able to give out turkeys to BC clients.

In the past, food cupboards generally existed for emergency situations only. Today, BC's food cupboard, like most others, has evolved into providing a necessary supplementary food source to low income families.

The Bernardine Center receives 12% of its food supply from government sources and 88% from area churches, organizations and individuals.

BC also distributes donated clothing and household items to our community brothers and sisters. The Center operates a Christmas shops to allow our clients to select gifts for their families. The Center also coordinates requests from local businesses to adopt families' Christmas Wish Lists.

The Bernardine Center is a founding member of The Interfaith Coalition of Food Centers of Delaware County, efficiently and cooperatively serving about 400,000 people annually.

Hours: Mondays: 5 - 7PM to accommodate the working poor
Wednesdays: 9 AM to noon