November 18, 2020

Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Kicks Off Online Holiday Food Drive To Support Network Of Food Cupboards Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS) is hosting its annual Holiday Food Drive to help stock the shelves of over 50 food cupboards located throughout the five-county metropolitan area and to benefit those who do not have access to nutritious sustenance. Due to COVID-19, the need this year is greater than ever.

Providing individuals, senior citizens, families, and children with food and food related resources has been at the core of NDS’ mission for nearly five decades. This relief effort is especially critical when many across the Philadelphia region are faced with food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.

Denise Hopkins, Administrator for NDS’ Community Food Program said, “Our annual Holiday Food Drive is more critical this year than ever. COVID-19 has greatly impacted those that may not typically face hunger and we are continuing to see a substantial increase of individuals and their families who are confronted with a food emergency waiting in line at our food cupboards and soup kitchens. We are desperately in need of non-perishable food items to stock the shelves of our food cupboards for the coming winter months. We greatly appreciate every effort of those who partner with us in feeding the hungry in our area.”

Those interested in helping our neighbors in need can support NDS’ Community Food Program by purchasing items online through You Give Goods at https://yougivegoods.com/ndsholidaydrive. All goods donated now through Friday, January 8th will be distributed to NDS’ network of food cupboards.

To offer broad participation, NDS is also partnering with Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools across the five-county metropolitan area. Participating faculty, staff, students and families are encouraged to collect non-perishable items with due respect for and adherence to guidelines set forth by governmental health agencies by utilizing a “Drop and Go” Food Drive set-up.

This year, NDS’ Community Food Program is also sponsoring its Alternative Christmas Cards for the 2020 holiday season. This initiative aims to provide an alternative to individuals and families who wish to send non-secular Christmas cards all while raising funds for our hungry neighbors. This year’s Christmas Cards are sold in packs of 10 cards for $15.00 or 20 cards for $25.00. A monetary amount is noted on each card as a representation of the donation made to help our neighbors in need. All proceeds will directly benefit NDS’ network of food cupboards and be used to purchase food to stock shelves.

For more information on the Holiday Food Drive, coordinating a food collection, or purchasing the Alternative Christmas Cards please contact Denise Hopkins, Administrator, NDS Community Food Program at 215-895-3470 ext. 77823 or [email protected].

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Editor’s Note: For 47 years, Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (NDS) mission has been to serve children and those in need with healthy food. NDS accomplishes its mission in two distinct ways: by administering the federally-funded child nutrition programs and through the privately supported Community Food Program. For more information about NDS, please visit http://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/. NDS is an equal opportunity service provider.