At Food Connect, we are incredibly honored to be a key partner in the "Connecting Community School Families to Fresh Produce" initiative. This program represents exactly why we do what we do—bridging critical gaps in our food system and ensuring that families, especially those facing food insecurity, have access to nutritious, fresh produce.

In an effort to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste, Food Connect Philadelphia partnered with the City of Philadelphia on this pilot program that is bringing hope and nutrition to local Philadelphia community schools. Throughout the months of May and June 2024, Food Connect partnered with the City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families, the Department of Public Health, and Sharing Excess to deliver fresh surplus produce to 14 Philadelphia Community Schools.

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Food Connect Philadelphia proudly delivered over 24,000 pounds of fresh surplus produce rescued by Sharing Excess, a dedicated local nonprofit tackling food waste. By intercepting this high-quality food at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, we prevented it from being wasted in landfills and instead redirected it to nourish our community. From coordinating seamless pickups to managing routing, logistics, and delivery, Food Connect ensures every pound reaches those in need. Through our streamlined operations and recipient feedback system, we amplify impact and share meaningful results with our partners, driving a collaborative effort to create a healthier, more sustainable future.

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The collaborative effort brought together key stakeholders with a shared mission. The City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families and its Department of Public Health have been crucial in identifying and supporting Philadelphia Community Schools that can most benefit from the program, bridging the gap between food surplus and those facing food insecurity.

The initiative addressed a critical need highlighted by the School District of Philadelphia's 2022 report, which revealed that 20% of families experience food insecurity, with 27% of students reporting insufficient food at home. Each week, the Schools became distribution centers, transforming into hub points where students, families, and community members could access fresh, nutritious produce. 

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The pilot program showcased the power of collaboration in addressing complex social challenges by uniting food rescue efforts with community distribution networks. As Kate Colyer emphasized, "One fresh produce delivery at a time, we're making a difference," embodying the spirit of hope and collective action driving this initiative. 

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The pilot’s success has paved the way for an exciting future. With support from the City of Innovation grant and the Department of Public Health, the program will expand into the 2024-2025 academic year at numerous community schools. This continued effort promises to deepen connections, inspire new possibilities, and bring fresh produce to even more students and families. Together, we are building a brighter, healthier future, one delivery at a time.

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Check out our mention with City of Philadelphia

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