What Is the Oley Valley Food Pantry

WHAT IS THE OLEY VALLEY FOOD PANTRY?

The OLEY VALLEY FOOD PANTRY has been providing food for low income families in the Oley Valley School District (Alsace, Pike, Oley and Ruscombmanor) since October of 1997. The Oley Valley Food Pantry distributes approximately 4,000 pounds of food per month. The majority of the food comes from the Greater Berks Food Bank. We pay a maintenance fee of between zero and 19 cents per pound which pays for their physical operation – heating the building, running the massive drive-in freezer, paying salaries, electricity, etc. For every dollar donated to the Greater Berks Food Bank, we can receive $20.00 worth of food.

The OLEY VALLEY FOOD PANTRY is held at Friedens Lutheran Church, 1076 Memorial Highway, Oley, the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

AWARENESS – Help us spread the word about our services. We need to reach all the families in our community who cannot afford to put food on the table.

CASH DONATIONS – For every $1.00 donated, we can purchase $20.00 worth of food from the Greater Berks Food Bank. Please make your check payable to Oley Valley Food Pantry and mail to Friedens Lutheran Church, 1076 Memorial Highway, Oley, PA 19547.

VOLUNTEER – Share your time and talent to help make a difference. Join us the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month anytime between 1:30 and 8:30 PM.

FOOD DRIVES – Organize a food drive at your school, church or civic group. Challenge other civic groups to help us beat hunger.

DONATIONS – We are always in need of items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.

OLEY VALLEY FOOD PANTRY

(A Community Food Pantry)

HELPING

TO

END

HUNGER

Located at:

Friedens Lutheran Church Route #73 1076 Memorial Highway Oley, PA 610-987-6021

WHO BENEFITS?

More than 25 million Americans including 9 million children and nearly 3 million seniors – who receive emergency food assistance each year from – FEEDING AMERICA – The Nation’s Food Bank Network of charitable agencies.

FACTS ABOUT RURAL HUNGER

Challenges facing rural areas greatly differ from metro/urban areas:

·  Employment is more concentrated in low-wage industries

·  Unemployment and underemployment are greater

·  Education levels are lower

·  Work support services, such as flexible and affordable child care and public transportation are less available

·  Rural market place offers less access to communication and transportation networks

INCOME GUIDELINES 2012-2013

Family Size Year Month Week

1 $16,755 1,396 322 2 22,695 1,891 436 3 28,635 2,386 551 4 34,575 2,881 665 5 40,515 3,376 779 6 46,455 3,871 893 7 52,395 4,366 1,008 8 58,335 4,861 1,122

Each additional 5,940 495 114 family member add:

For further information, please call Friedens Lutheran Church at 610-987-6021.

In 2011, The Oley Valley Food Pantry distributed 85,707 pounds of food which is valued at $111,137.

HELPFUL CONTACTS

Berks Community Action Program and Budget Counseling Center 610-375-7866

Berks County Citizens Council 610-373-3195

Berks County Courthouse Legal Assistance 1-800-262-5297

Berks Women In Crisis 610-372-9540

Center for Mental Health 610-378-6070

Family Promise of Berks County 610-373-3323

Greater Berks Food Bank 610-926-5802

Human Relations Council 610-375-8852

Office of Aging 610-478-6500

PA Energy Assistance Program 610-736-4228

Reading Salvation Army 610-373-5208

Women’s Counseling Services 610-372-7234