Final Days To Raise $100,000 For Local Families Struggling To Put Food On Table

August 17, 2022

A file photo from a Pennsylvania food and basic needs pantry. File photo.

A donation challenge to collect funds to help local families struggling to put food on the table has been extended until Friday.

The nonprofit Bucks County Opportunity Council announced that the philanthropists Gene and Marlene Epstein have extended and increased their challenge to the community.

Last month, the Epsteins were matching every dollar up to $10,000 donated to the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s food program through the end of July.

However, due to the need and generosity of Bucks Countians, the Epsteins have extended their donation challenge through this Friday.

“If the community is able to raise a total of $75,000, Gene and Marlene will donate an additional $25,000. That would raise a total of $100,000 to support Bucks County families who are struggling to put food on the table,” the Bucks County Opportunity Council said in a press release.

Recently, the nonprofit said the challenge had raised more than $30,000.

“We have seen such a tremendous response from our community, but your support is still needed” said Erin Lukoss, the executive director of the Bucks County Opportunity Council. “Every dollar helps put food on the table for families struggling right now. Gene and Marlene are just incredible community supporters and I am humbled by their willingness to step in and help the kids in Bucks County.”

In 2020 and 2021, the program distributed 3.5 million pounds of food to low-income Bucks Countians.

The Bucks County Opportunity Council has reported a recent increase in the number of visits to food pantries and Fresh Connect events across the county. The increased need comes as inflation has skyrocketed and hurt family wallets.

“No one has to look too far to see how those on a fixed incomes are sacrificing just to get by,” said Gene Epstein. “Too many people are food insecure. Too many people can barely afford to put food on their table. Too many people are in need, and we must do everything we can to help them.”

Additionally, the the Epsteins are sponsoring 43 kids through the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s “Back To School Program.”