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Food Security
FOOD PANTRY
The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities operates a public community food pantry at the Outreach Center for any local individuals and families in need of food.
Safe Ways to Receive Food:
Option One: OPEN PANTRY Kiosk Ordering from our Outreach Center lobby.
Available Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and
Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
No appointment needed and an ID is not needed.
Option Two: Remote Online Shopping
Available 24/7. We are offering a remote online ordering option. You can safely and conveniently order online from the comfort of your own home and pick up your food at the Outreach Center Pantry located at 57 North Franklin Street in Pottstown the following day Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Please email foodpantry@pottstowncluster.org for instructions.
Access our SmartChoice™ food pantry shopping software here
Option Three: Food Delivery (Limited availability)
If you are house-bound or have circumstances that preclude in-person pick-up, there may be delivery service available. This is a limited service and is not guaranteed. Availability is dependent upon location within our delivery radius and individual needs and circumstances. Delivery service must be approved and scheduled in advance.
Please e-mail foodpantry@pottstowncluster.org or call 610-970-5995 Monday – Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or Fridays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to see if this is possible in your area.
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Food Security – Expanding Food Pantry Efforts
Achieving food stability. Building a stronger community.
The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities (PCRC) is partnering with local churches, schools, and housing developments to expand pantry efforts. Targeted sites are in areas where there is a food supply “desert”, minimal public transportation, and a low-income level.
Current Expanded Food Locations:
- Coventryville United Methodist Church (610-469-9350 | Church@CoventryvilleUMC.com) The hours of operation are the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM or while supplies last. The inventory includes dry goods, milk, and eggs. No photo ID is required. Pick-up only at CUMC, 1521 Old Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA 19465 – https://maps.app.goo.gl/1xLT23X7sC1vTHv97
- Kutztown University PROFS Program: The food is dedicated to students in the school’s PROFS program for unaccompanied young adults that have aged out of the foster care system.
Questions or interested in becoming a partner pantry location?
Contact: 610-970-5995 | FoodBranch@PottstownCluster.org
Login to the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities’ SmartChoice™ food pantry shopping software here:
ABOUT OUR FOOD PANTRY
PCRC’s Food Services program provides food security not only to the families in the greater Pottstown Area but also re-distributes food donations to other local pantries in Montgomery County. Through the support of TEFAP (the Emergency Food Assistance Program), the collaboration with Philabundance, and donations from local worship centers, organizations and businesses, our facility provides food security to over 450 families a month in the Pottstown area plus families receiving food from other food pantries in Montgomery County.
Our SmartChoice Virtual Pantry allows families to choose nutritious foods through a point system categorized according to ChooseMyPlate, a dietary guideline illustrating the five food groups that are building blocks for a healthy diet; fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. Personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies are considered a basic need so is part of our pantry and offered to families from generous donations.
The pantry supports over 450 families a month. Persons that are working, have a disability, or a special circumstance can use our “online” shopping feature or schedule a time that is more convenient. We understand the challenges families need to overcome and with our SmartChoice Virtual Pantry we offer some flexibility to help with food insecurity.
Through a partnership with Philabundance, we are receiving fresh produce weekly such as potatoes, squash, onions, and tomatoes for our families. We also re-distribute over 10,000 pounds of produce a month to local pantries in Montgomery County. This allows food to reach more families struggling with food insecurity.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program was implemented to improve the health of Senior Citizens through better nutrition. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. Qualified seniors will receive a monthly box of food that contains a variety of basic staples PLUS the option to shop in our SmartChoice Virtual Pantry.
Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program seeks to aid seniors and farmers in Pennsylvania by providing qualified seniors with $20 in checks that may be used only at participating Farmer’s Markets to buy Pennsylvania-grown produce. The program runs from June to September and the checks may be used through November. Participants must be 60 years or older.
Healthy Pantry Initiative
Our goal is to promote nutrition by educating family members to make wise food choices whenever they are selecting food for the family table. Our food pantry is categorized according to ChooseMyPlate, which illustrates the five food groups that are building blocks for a healthy diet.
See also COMMUNITY MEALS
FOOD PANTRY
Our NEW SmartChoice Virtual Pantry allows families to choose nutritious foods through a point system categorized according to ChooseMyPlate, a dietary guideline illustrating the five food groups that are building blocks for a healthy diet; fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. Personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies are considered a basic need so is part of our pantry and offered to families from generous donations.
The pantry supports over 450 families a month. Persons that are working, have a disability, or a special circumstance can use our “online” shopping feature or schedule a time that is more convenient. We understand the challenges families need to overcome and with our SmartChoice Virtual Pantry we offer some flexibility to help with food insecurity. Our regular pantry hours are Tuesday through Friday between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Through a partnership with Philabundance, we are receiving fresh produce weekly such as potatoes, squash, onions, and tomatoes for our families. We also re-distribute over 10,000 pounds of produce a month to local pantries in Montgomery County. This allows food to reach more families struggling with food insecurity.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program was implemented to improve the health of Senior Citizens through better nutrition. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. Qualified seniors will receive a monthly box of food that contains a variety of basic staples PLUS the option to shop in our SmartChoice Virtual Pantry.
Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program seeks to aid seniors and farmers in Pennsylvania by providing qualified seniors with $20 in checks that may be used only at participating Farmer’s Markets to buy Pennsylvania-grown produce. The program runs from June to September and the checks may be used through November. Participants must be 60 years or older.
Holiday Dinner Baskets
In October we register families to receive a box of groceries that will make a complete holiday dinner. The boxes are handed out during the third week of December.
Healthy Pantry Initiative
Our goal is to promote nutrition by educating family members to make wise food choices whenever they are selecting food for the family table. Our food pantry is categorized according to ChooseMyPlate, which illustrates the five food groups that are building blocks for a healthy diet.
