United Way of Bucks County is calling on the community to unite for its 10th annual Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, which fights local food insecurity.
BKO Hunger consists of a fundraiser, countywide food drive and one-day meal packing event. Each year, the project brings together thousands of donors, advocates and volunteers to fight hunger in the county.
According to the nonprofit, BKO Hunger is particularly important this year as local residents battle the new obstacle of rising grocery costs.
“Families in poverty and even moderate-income families are really feeling the pinch right now,” said Tim Philpot, director of financial stability & health at United Way of Bucks County. “They’re experiencing rising prices that outstrip wage increases, at the same time as pandemic-related federal assistance is drying up. It puts them between a rock and a hard place.”
“At Penn Community Bank, we believe that strengthening individuals and families is key to helping our entire community succeed,” said Jeane Vidoni, president and CEO of Penn Community Bank. “We’re proud to partner with United Way of Bucks County as they celebrate this 10-year milestone of fighting hunger so our neighbors can prosper.”
For the first time since the pandemic, the meal-packing event is scheduled in-person on Friday, June 17, at the Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem. Community members interested in volunteering should visit uwbucks.org/bkohunger to register.
Shelf-stable meals packed at BKO Hunger support food pantries countywide, including United Way’s HELP Center pantry. Funds raised for the project provide nutritious options, such as fresh produce, eggs and dairy to local pantries, senior centers and Fresh Connect.
Donations can be made at uwbucks.org/bkohunger or by mailing a check to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030, with BKO Hunger in the memo line.
Bucks Knocks Out Hunger is presented by Penn Community Bank and is sponsored by Suez, Bucks County Community College, Comcast, NJM Insurance Group, Parx Casino, PECO, Wegmans and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.
