Fridays at the Bristol Township campus of Bucks County Community College are like Halloween, but instead of getting candy and treats, people in need can fill up bags and baskets with fresh produce.
“We weren’t quite sure what to expect,” explained Heather Foor, the food program manager at the Bucks County Opportunity Council.
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The original goal and assumed high cap in terms of turnout was originally to serve 200 families each week. Now during the fourth week, program officials were pretty certain they would break that goal.
“People are really excited to be able to get fresh fruit and vegetables that aren’t as affordable at the grocery store,” explained Eileen Albillar, the volunteer and community connections manager at the BCOC.
The enthusiasm for the program is so great that even during the pouring rain on a previous Friday, about 100 families were still lined up, waiting for the produce.
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“People were showing up right away, and I think that speaks to the need for fresh produce,” Albillar explained.
The group tries to give about 20 pounds of produce to each family.
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Most of the food comes from Philabundance, while Rolling Harvest Food Rescue contributes as well. The United Way of Bucks County provides funding for the giveaway, and St. Mary Medical Center is on the scene offering nutritional education, samples and recipes.
“A lot of people are really interested in how to help,” Albillar explained.
The dedication from the community shows, as well. The giveaway was teeming with volunteers in orange vests, who come out just to be a part of something greater than themselves and help give back to the community.
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“I look at it as a way to give back to the community,” said Vince Hill, a Yardley resident who was volunteering on Friday. “This is a great program, and this is a great way to be a part of it.”
For the people in line and receiving the food, this is an incredible chance for people to stock up on food they might not be able to otherwise afford.
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“It’s like trick or treating,” said a resident of Foxwood Manor apartments as she walked back to her car. “It means that I can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, which I have to go without sometimes.”
The food distribution takes place at the Bristol Township campus of the Bucks County Community College every Friday, year round, from noon until 1 p.m.
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