Ways YOU Can Help This Thanksgiving

By Hannah Diem, Grade 7

Ok hear me out, everyone has to like SOMETHING on the Thanksgiving table. Either it is the turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or even the rolls. There is usually something for everyone. I mean I get if you're picky but you have to at least like those warm buttery rolls.

But, there are some people in our very own community that don't have a full Thanksgiving table this year. Don't worry though, there are small ways that even you can help out.

The West Chester Food Cupboard is a very local food cupboard to our area. You are able to donate food that could cost you less than a dollar here and it could make a difference in someone else's life. Thanksgiving is a time where we eat around a table with this big meal and eat our favorite foods. And you can help other people get food on their tables too.

I visited the West Chester Food Cupboard and asked a volunteer some questions about their organization. I learned a lot about this very impactful organization and I am excited to share with you! Just remember that if you do need help please get it here, it's really important everyone has the nutrition they need. I will also include a bunch of information on how to donate, what you can donate, and how to get help.

What does the West Chester Food Cupboard do?

The West Chester Food Cupboard is a local food cupboard in our area. They are an organization that supplies food to people who might not be able to get it themselves. They are a 100% nonprofit organization and are 100% volunteer based (with around 200 volunteers). Their main goal though is to get food to the whole community. For example, they help all of the people in WCASD, surrounding school districts and counties. This is also not including all of the day cares and after school programs they provide fruit and snacks for. It is truly remarkable the work they do and it was amazing to be there. They have approximately 1200 families registered to come every month. They provide things like meats, dairy products, produce, personal care products, and non perishable food products. Although they can have limited resources they provide healthy balanced foods for their clients. Also, the West Chester Food Cupboard is partners with 7 different Wawa's, the Whole Foods in Exton, Philabundance, and the Chester County Food Cupboard. All of those organizations and companies help with food needs and space needs. The West Chester Food Cupboard does really amazing work though and it is really crazy how much work and time it takes to do what they do!

Where do I go if I need help from the food cupboard?

The food cupboard is always there to help. That's why this organization was created. If you need help first check if you qualify on their website. (https://westchesterfoodcupboard.org/) Then make sure you go in with all of the required information to register. If you need more information you can call them or contact them using the phone number or the message system on their website. But, please remember that if you need help that is what they are there for. They are always happy to help people in need of it!

How can I donate?

There are a couple ways to donate to their organization. First, you can donate money. This would help them a lot because they need the money to buy the products and foods they have for people. This is important even if you have decided not to donate food. The other thing you can donate is food and personal care products. You have to make sure it fits the specifications (which I will list later). Also make sure that you are checking their website as well and double checking all of the things needed. (https://westchesterfoodcupboard.org/) Anything that you donate, even if it only cost you five dollars, could really make a difference in so someone's life

What can I donate?

If you want to donate food, that's amazing, and a great job wanting to help others. But, like most things there are some specifications you should follow before donating or even buying the food. First, make sure you check the date on the item. They do accept donations for perishable items like milk and cheese, but they want the date to be as far in the future as possible. Also make sure that all refrigerated foods (including all meats) don't reach the "danger zone". This is the temperature ( 41-135 degrees) where all refrigerated foods expire after a couple hours. I mean would you want to eat expired food?

Another thing you should be aware of is the look of the food. Make sure that it looks good. The volunteer said that their quote is "when in doubt throw it out." If you think that someone wouldn't pick that out themselves and make sure you don't donate it. The only exception is if there is a box on the outside of the package (like the box on the outside of a cereal box) they will accept those products if the outsides are ripped or torn. Also make sure these are some of their personal care products. Just remember that if it doesn't look good on the outside it is probably a good rule to save it for something else.

What are some of the best times to donate?

You can donate any time of the year. Every time of the year and every month of the year are a great time to donate. But, like anything else there is always the best time. The best time to donate is February. This is because they just get off of the holiday rush and less people think to donate at this time. It is always a great time to donate though and every time you DO donate it makes a difference.

What are some of their biggest needs now? Or what are some of their biggest needs this winter/fall?

When you think of donating what do you think of? I usually think of things like canned foods... but I mostly think of food. But, one of the biggest things the West Chester Food Cupboard asks for are personal care items. Things like toilet paper, shampoo, soaps, paper towels, dish soap, feminine products, deodorant and diapers are big needs that not everyone has. They can also get pretty pricey for the food cupboard, that it would really help them out. Not only this, but they make a huge difference. These are things people use without thinking about and cannot imagine living without. These are really important things and they would be a great thing to donate!

One holiday that is coming up is Thanksgiving. A holiday filled with food. So something they ask for are simple thanksgiving staples. Such as, turkeys, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin, mashed potatoes and seasonal produce. These could help people have thanksgiving with all of the traditional foods!

Lastly, around fall or even winter we eat different types of foods. They also like giving out different foods than they would in winter. Some of the foods that you can give are different canned soups, stews, chilis. You can also give rice, beans, and tomato sauce (preferably not in a glass container). Mostly heartier foods are great around the winter time.

Overall, the West Chester Food Cupboard is a great organization that does a lot of good work. You can help out too by donating food and money. Also, if

you need help from the food cupboard that is what they are there for. For more information on this great organization and how YOU can help, visit their website, https://westchesterfoodcupboard.org/, for more information.