85,000 people experiencing food insecurity in Montco, what the County is doing to help

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. - It's a question no one should have to ask, but for thousands of people every morning, it is a reality: "Where will my next meal come from?" 

While many take the privilege of a full fridge of food for granted, Montgomery County is highlighting the widespread challenge of food insecurity, revealing that tens of thousands of people still wake up to this uncertainty every day.

What we know:

Montco's county leaders are addressing the issue of food insecurity, highlighting that thousands of residents are struggling to access food. The commissioners have spoken about the county's efforts to support food pantries and other programs, emphasizing the need to create a more resilient food system. 

Neil Makhija, Montgomery County's Chair of the Board of Commissioners, stated that 85,000 people in the county are currently experiencing food insecurity. He expressed concern that for those who depend on SNAP, some new regulations can be a burden that "literally take away food from the mouths of people." 

The county has recommitted a $500,000 investment in local food pantries and announced $610,000 in Food System Infrastructure Grants, totaling to more than $1 million dedicated to fighting food insecurity. 

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Commissioner Jamila Winder added that the county is working to build a "strong food system," which includes supporting many local food pantries.

Commissioner Thomas DiBello also spoke on the issue, saying that as commissioners, they want to "support those in need." He added that they need to make these programs "efficient" and "strong" to address the needs of everyone. The commissioners noted that Montgomery County began its Food System Infrastructure Grants program last spring to address these issues.

According to Montgomery County, highlights of the funded projects include: 

• Upper Merion Community Cupboard – Acquiring freezers that will enhance pantry operations. $10,000
• The Open Link (Pennsburg) – Replacing outdated refrigeration units with commercial equipment for storing fresh produce, meat, and dairy. $14,005
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society – Retrofitting a greenhouse in Norristown Farm Park to expand the Food as Medicine program. $87,039
• Gather & Grow Farm (Gilbertsville) – installing infrastructure that extends the growing season. $20,000
• Be ReZilient (Pottstown) – Developing a commercial kitchen for education, entrepreneurship, and food access. $90,000
• The Best Route (Gilbertsville) – Installing a shared commercial kitchen trailer to support their operations. $41,000
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors on the Main Line (Ardmore) – Purchasing a refrigerated van for home food deliveries. $89,000
• Manna on Main Street (Lansdale) – Expanding grocery access through a new home delivery program supported by grant funding. $46,000
• Jenkintown Food Cupboard – Purchasing additional cold storage to improve food distribution. $60,000
• Latinos Norristown PA – Establishing a Spanish-language food handling certification program for Latino restaurant and food service workers. $50,000
• Nriife Roots Collective – Developing a hub in Montgomery County for socially disadvantaged food producers. $45,531
• College Settlement of Philadelphia (Horsham) – Acquiring kitchen equipment to prepare more meals for visiting school groups. $32,425
• Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia –  Expanding the Food Saver Challenge in Montgomery County, helping local restaurants reduce food waste. $25,000