Discover how Sharing Excess North Penn organized a Free Food Fest in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, to provide free food to community members in need, reducing the stigma associated with food assistance and fostering a more inclusive environment.
Lansdale's Free Food Fest: Assisting the Community with a Dash of Humor
( Credit to: Thereporteronline )
Lansdale, a community in Pennsylvania, recently hosted a Free Food Fest at North Penn High School. The event, organized by the student club Sharing Excess North Penn, aimed to provide free food to community members in need. Inspired by the Philadelphia-based non-profit Sharing Excess, the club's founder, Derek Schneider, wanted to bring the initiative to his local area.
( Credit to: Thereporteronline )
The first Free Food Fest took place in January and quickly revealed the urgent need for food assistance in the community. Within the first 30 minutes, 400 pounds of food were distributed to 100 people. Schneider admitted that they had initially planned for the event to last three hours but had severely underestimated the demand.
While the club focuses on helping food-insecure individuals, they are open to serving anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Schneider believes that everyone can benefit from receiving free food and is dedicated to helping as many people as possible.
Reducing Stigma: Free Food for All at Lansdale's Food Fest
( Credit to: Thereporteronline )
One of the goals of the Free Food Fest is to reduce the stigma associated with food assistance. Alar Natesh, the vice president of Sharing Excess North Penn, emphasized that many individuals feel reluctant to seek help due to pride and fear of judgment. By offering free food to everyone, regardless of their circumstances, the club hopes to create an environment where no one feels looked down upon for accepting assistance.
( Credit to: Thereporteronline )
Moving forward, Sharing Excess North Penn plans to hold monthly food fest events and expand into collection drives. Natesh expressed excitement for the club's future and its potential to make a positive impact on the community. The club's Instagram page, www.instagram.com/Sharingexcessnp, provides more information about their efforts.
Community Support and Inclusivity: Lansdale's Free Food Fest
The Free Food Fest at North Penn High School in Lansdale demonstrated the power of community support and the willingness to help those in need. By providing free food to anyone who requires it, Sharing Excess North Penn is making a difference and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.