Hundreds line up at food distribution sites run by the city

Philadelphia residents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak have access to free food boxes through community food sites.

"Providing this service to Philadelphians is critical at a time when many so many people find themselves in a difficult situation," Deputy Mayor Cynthia Figueroa said.

Residents can pick up a box of food on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at sites throughout the city. One box is limited per household.

"About 150 in line. We estimate we're going to give out 500 groceries out this week," lead pastor at Chris Church Jeff Boettcher told FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson.

The pastor added people began to line up two and a half hours early. 

“Monday we were out in like 17 minutes and then today we had more. The city fortunately doubled what we got on Monday so today we were able to give out more," he said.

In addition, the City, School District, and partners will continue to operate student meal sites at over 80 locations citywide. 


The following sites will begin handing out free food boxes on Monday at 10 a.m.:

- People's Emergency Center, 3750 Lancaster Ave. (19104)

- Upper Room Baptist Church, 7236 Ogontz Ave. (19138)

- Opportunity, Inc., 5900 Lansdowne Ave. (19151)

- Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. (19148)

- Mitchell Elementary School, 5500 Kingsessing Ave. (19143)

- Resurgence Church, 1738 West Atlantic St. (19140)

- West Kensington Ministry, 2140 N Hancock St. (19122)

- Dare 2 Imagine Church, 6610 Anderson St. (19119)

- Shekinah SDA, 531 Chew Ave. (19120)

- Association of Former Gang Members, 1631 W Susquehanna Ave. (19121)

- Keep the Faith Ministries, 1906 Harrison St. (19124)

- Parkside Association, 1719 N. 52nd St. (19131)

- Richard and Friends, 1916 E Venango St. (19134)

- Triumph Baptist Church, 1648 W Hunting Park Ave.

- Giving Heart Ministries, 6506 Elmwood Ave. (19142)

- SEAMAAC, 1711 S Broad St. (19148)

- Overbrook West Neighbors (OWN), 5925 Lancaster Ave. (19151)

- Iglesia Cristiana Avivamiento, 5500 Tabor Rd. (19120)

- Mizpah SDA, 4355 Paul St. (19124)

- Christian Compassion CDC, 6100 Cedar Ave. (19143)

The program is an expanded partnership between the city, community-based food services, Philabundance and Share Food Program.


RELATED COVERAGE:

Emergency nurse at Jefferson Hospital gives insight into being on front lines fighting COVID-19

Philadelphia announces changes in meal pickup sites for students during school shutdown

How COVID-19 has impacted Delaware Valley so far

Wolf expands stay-at-home order to include 22 Pennsylvania counties


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