Frazer Pantry Receives 20 Truckloads of Food from USPS

Editor's Note: The following information comes from , a nonprofit food distribution center operating out of Covenant United Presbyterian Church on Route 30 in Frazer.

Saturday, May 12th was a very busy day for the volunteers of the People’s Pantry at Church Road.   The National Association of Letter Carriers delivered over 20 truck loads of canned goods and products that they collected from the generosity of the Great Valley Community in the U.S. Postal Service trucks.  While the goods were arriving, volunteers were sorting and stocking shelves.  They started early in the morning and stocked the last shelf at 7:45pm.  

Across the parking lot from the pantry, another group of volunteers were dumping 6 ½ yards of enriched soil on the four new raised garden beds that had been constructed earlier. Seeds were carefully planted and watered in the new garden beds by some of the pantry clients.  Materials for these beds were provided by the Chester County Food Bank. 

Now clients of the People’s Pantry will not only be able to have a greater selection of canned goods but they will be able to partake of the seasonal herbs and vegetables of the newly erected Peoples Garden.  These gardens will complement the five newly planted garden beds at the Frazer Mennonite Church, Ploughshares Community Garden, as a result of a partnership between the two organizations.

Kay Rowell, Coordinator of the People’s Pantry explains the concept, “Participation by pantry clients to help in the garden will be encouraged - hands on participation - taking on ownership and responsibility in tending to the garden.  We already have commitments to help at both locations.  It is truly the People's Garden!”

The uniqueness of these gardens lies with the pantry’s clients active participation with a selection, cultivation, and harvesting of the fresh produce and herbs.  As the pantry grows with its programs, emphasis is being placed on the education for healthy eating and lifestyles.  “We will also embark on a recipe bag program.  Recipes will be selected that will include fresh produce/herbs from our gardens.  All ingredients, as well as the recipe, will be given to pantry clients in a separate bag during pantry days.  We also plan on having samples of the recipe available for those who want to taste it.  Recipes will be in English and Spanish, and include nutrition content.  They will be easy to make and will promote healthy eating habits.”, commented Kay Rowell.

Planet Fitness in Frazer also ran a food drive in April for the People’s Pantry and they plan on another one at the end of summer. The hard work and generosity of all of these organizations working together will make a difference for many families in Chester County and the Great Valley Community.   For more information on funding or volunteer opportunities for the People’s Pantry, please visit the website at www.churchroadpantry.org.  Tax deductible contributions may be mailed to The People’s Pantry at Church Rd, 400 Lancaster Ave., Frazer, PA 19355.