Delaware County Community Food Drive Draws Extraordinary Turnout Amid SNAP Uncertainty
Delaware County residents turned out in striking numbers on Saturday for the Delaware County Community Food Drive, with a steady stream of cars, vans, and trucks arriving at the former Don Guanella School site in Marple Township. Over roughly three hours, volunteers collected donations from an estimated 650 vehicles — a response that exceeded expectations at a moment when many households remain unsettled by uncertainty surrounding federal SNAP benefits.
Vehicles began lining up well before the 9:00 a.m. start time, and the flow never slowed. Volunteers and County staff moved quickly from car to car, unloading bags and boxes that were quickly sorted and staged for distribution. The scene recalled the large-scale food drives and supply distribution efforts organized during the pandemic, marked by the same combination of efficiency and quiet generosity.
Eight local food pantries participated directly in the operation, with most donations routed through the Share Food Program. A portion of the late-day contributions went to Holy Cross Parish in Springfield to meet local demand. The volume of donations was so substantial that several participating pantries left earlier than planned, their vehicles fully loaded, while County staff and volunteers remained to sort and prepare the remaining food for transport.
Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor noted the breadth and momentum of the effort. “Delaware County showed up for one another,” she said. “Residents lined up from the moment the gates opened, and the compassion on display was extraordinary. Our County team and community partners worked tirelessly to make sure every donation reached the families who need it most.”
The turnout was made possible through extensive coordination across County departments. Chief of Social Services and Community Programs Sandy Garrison oversaw logistics; Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas from Human Services led the planning effort; and Department of Emergency Services Chief of Special Operations Danielle Koerner managed logistics, traffic flow and on-site safety, supported by more than 20 volunteers from the Delaware County Citizen Corps.
Council Vice Chair Richard Womack described the event as another example of collaboration between residents and County government. “This was a partnership,” he said. “Residents, volunteers, and County staff all came together at a crucial time. The generosity we saw was remarkable.”
The County thanks the many community organizations that collected donations in advance of the event — including Media Borough, which received such a significant volume of food throughout the week that a box truck was needed to deliver it. The County also thanks Cardinal O’Hara High School, which had graciously agreed to host the food drive before the school’s football playoff schedule required a last-minute relocation to the nearby former Don Guanella School site.
Residents who were unable to attend can still support local families by donating through the Share Food Program at ShareFoodProgram.org/Delco.
Together, we continue building a better future for Delaware County by ensuring every family has access to the food and support they need.