In December 2007, Philabundance launched the “Fresh Direct” program, a quick and easy way to put good quality, fresh produce into the hands of those who need it.  The cost of fresh fruits and vegetables is rising, which means these healthy foods are the first to get cut when money is tight. 

Philabundance estimates that there are approximately 900,000 people in the Delaware Valley that may need help with food.  Through our 600+ agency network, food is distributed to approximately 65,000 people every week.  The current need greatly exceeds the capacity of the existing network.  In response, Philabundance has set a goal of providing 250,000 people with five pounds of food per week by 2014.  To do this will require new and innovative ways of distributing large amounts of food to those in need.  Fresh Direct is the first step on this path.

Fresh Direct locations are selected based on need and may be in partnership with an area agency or business. The Fresh Direct truck returns on the same day and time each week to select locations, which range from space shared by an area organization to simply a parking lot.  Five pilot sites are planned for 2008, one each in Burlington, Camden and Salem counties, NJ, and two in Delaware County, PA.  Volunteers assist with running the distributions.

Current Fresh Direct Sites:
Delaware County Housing Authority
1825 Constitution Ave, Woodlyn, PA 19094
Fridays, 12:30-1:30 at the DCHA Community Center

St. John’s Pentecostal Outreach
22 New Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079
Wednesdays 11:30-12:30 pm

Fresh Direct Membership
Becoming a Fresh Direct member is easy.  Potential members are asked to provide basic household information for program funding and other purposes.  Participating in Fresh Direct does not affect any other benefits you are receiving.  Members are asked to bring their own boxes or bags to distributions.

Fresh Direct Volunteers
Volunteers are needed for Fresh Direct to succeed.  Though times vary by location, each distribution requires approimately 2-3 hours and 10-15 volunteers to serve 150-200 individuals.  Volunteers may assist at one distribution, or at mutliple distributions on a regular basis, but must be able to commit to the full distribution duration. Volunteers must be able to perform a variety of duties, including some physical work.   We will match volunteers to tasks within their capabilities.  Some distributions will be held outdoors.  Volunteers assisting with these distributions should dress accordingly.

Fresh Direct Info Sheet PDF

For more information on Fresh Direct, please
contact Tunisia at tgarnett@philabundance.org or 215.339.0900 x238.