Program Overview
From May 6, 2024, to June 30, 2024, Food Connect, in partnership with Sharing Excess and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), piloted a program to provide fresh produce to 14 Community Schools across Philadelphia. This initiative addressed the critical gap in access to fresh fruits and vegetables for families experiencing food insecurity. By leveraging surplus produce from Sharing Excess and delivering it to Community Schools, the program aimed to improve access to nutritious food in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by food insecurity.

Program Objective
The primary objective was to provide a steady supply of fresh produce for distribution to students and their families. This initiative supported the mission of Community Schools by addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits. Over the eight-week pilot, the program sought to create convenient access to fresh, nutritious food for Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Metrics & Key Results

• Total Produce Delivered: Sharing Excess supplied a total of 27,149 pounds of produce.
• Deliveries Made: Food Connect completed 77 deliveries to 14 Community Schools.
• Community Engagement: The produce was distributed to students and families at the schools, with active participation from students and school leaders in organizing and managing the distribution.

Community Impact
The pilot had a significant positive impact on participating communities. Families appreciated the convenience of picking up fresh produce during regular school drop-off and pick-up times. In addition to reducing grocery bills, the availability of fresh, high-quality produce introduced students to new fruits and vegetables. Some highlights include:

• At Overbrook Educational Center, students were excited to try grapes for the first time.
• A student at McClure School experimented with grilled zucchini and expressed interest in trying more vegetables.
• Families at Dunbar School were inspired to make guacamole after receiving avocados, tomatoes, and limes.

Several schools embraced student leadership. At Locke School, students managed the production and distribution of produce, and at Edmonds School, the cheerleading team promoted fresh produce pickups with a special cheer. These efforts fostered a sense of ownership and leadership among students.

Challenges Addressed
According to the School District of Philadelphia’s 2022 report on household food insecurity, 20% of families experienced food insecurity, and 27% of students reported insufficient food at home. While Community Schools have existing partnerships for non-perishable groceries, this pilot filled a critical gap by providing fresh produce. Through the combined efforts of Sharing Excess and Food Connect, the program overcame logistical challenges and successfully delivered fresh produce where it was most needed.

Looking Forward
The success of this pilot has laid the groundwork for future expansions. With continued support from PDPH’s Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention and funding from the Innovation Fund, the program will continue at five Community Schools. The next phase will include an evaluation component to gather feedback from families and ensure that the program remains community-centered and impactful.

The Produce Delivery Pilot was a vital step in advancing food access in Philadelphia’s Community Schools. Through collaboration, creativity, and commitment, we bridged the gap between surplus food and families facing food insecurity, building healthier and more resilient communities.

Report By:
Kate Colyer
Regional Program Director, Northeast
Food Connect

Appendix A: Data