United Way of Bucks County is hosting annual Bucks Knocks Out Hunger to provide nutritious foods to low-income families
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
United Way of Bucks County is breaking out the boxing gloves for the sixth year of its annual campaign, Bucks Knocks Out Hunger. The countywide fundraiser, which culminates on June 22, raises funds so that local food pantries can provide much-needed nutritious meals to residents in need.
In 2017, BKO Hunger packed an impressive 100,000 meals. This year, UW Bucks is setting its standards even higher with a goal of 125,000 meals and 32,000 pounds of locally grown produce, totaling $80,000.
Though ambitious, Tim Philpot, UW Bucks’ impact director for health, believes this year’s objective is not only doable, but necessary. According to Philpot, part of the organization’s mission is to provide basic, human needs to Bucks County residents. This includes having enough food to advance in society.
“It’s hard to concentrate in school if you don’t have enough nutritious foods in your body,” he explained.
Since BKO Hunger kicked off six years ago, statistics have improved regarding local hunger. Whereas 10 percent of residents used to be food insecure, that number has dropped to 8.9 percent. Still the problem is far from being over.
Food pantries, which are essential lifelines for low-income families in need, are often unable to stock healthy foods such as fresh produce or dairy products. As a result, these families can face serious health problems. This is where BKO Hunger comes in. Money raised throughout the campaign will be given to dozens of local food pantries, allowing them to purchase dairy, meats and shelf-stable meals.
For the first time, a portion of funds will also support Fresh Connect, a free, mobile farmers market that helps low-income households in Bucks County. Just over a year old, Fresh Connect has taken off quickly, boasting three locations in Bristol, Ottsville and Warminster. Hundreds of local families stop by Fresh Connect each week, where they’re able to choose from a variety of in-season produce.
Thanks to this new partnership, BKO Hunger meals will include more fruits and vegetables than ever before.
“By linking BKO Hunger and Fresh Connect, we are ensuring that these two great programs work together to fight hunger in a coordinated way,” Philpot said. “It also brings together our Fresh Connect partners with our BKO Hunger sponsors, all of whom are passionate about fighting hunger and improving health.”
Once donations are collected, UW Bucks will work with pantries and Fresh Connect, using the money to purchase specific food items. On June 22, all items will be packaged into meals to later be distributed at the pantries during a four-hour event at Delaware Valley University. Taking place in one of the institution’s larger classrooms, 20 assembly lines will be set up with approximately 12 volunteers stationed at each. Each person will have a part in constructing the meal, whether it’s weighing the food or putting on a label.
Philpot said the event is always high-energy. As a DJ plays upbeat music, the teams become immersed in the task at hand, inventing creative cheers for when they complete a meal and taking part in friendly competition.
“It’s pretty lively,” he said. “It’s a chance for people to feel good while doing good.”
It’s safe to say volunteers will have their hands full again this year. The campaign kicked off with a generous donation of $5,000 from Penn Community Bank, along with assistance from a number of other sponsors including BB&T Bank, Bucks County Women’s Initiative, Bucks County Community College, Comcast, Dow, Suez Water & Process Technologies, Parx Casino, PECO, First National Bank and Trust of Newtown and Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church (New Hope).
In addition to partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and farmers, Philpot stressed the impact individuals can have on the program.
“We’re entering our sixth year with BKO and one thing has remained the same — the vast majority of our support, donations and volunteer time, is from individuals,” he said. “We can only help our neighbors in need if the community gives generously. And trust me, every dollar counts.”
Monetary donations will be accepted until a few days after the June 22 packaging event. They can be made online at uwbucks.org/bkohunger, dropped off at any Penn Community Bank, or mailed to the UW Bucks office (413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA, 19030) with the subject line “BKO Hunger.” Links to volunteer opportunities are also available online.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
