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Read through this padlet to get some initial information about the Chester County Food Bank. Afterwords, please use the link below to explore the organization's official website and learn even more about its mission, impact, and how you can help.

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Chester County Food Bank. We mobilize our community to ensure access to real, healthy food. Find the help you need, or lend a hand.

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Food insecurity is becoming a growing issue in the United States. Many households on the United States, especially households with children, suffer from some level of food insecurity. This is a big issue for the health and nutrition of the people living in these households. Without access to proper nutrition and healthy foods, the overall health of a person ill decline. Food insecurity can not only lead to hunger, but also to other related medical issues. Children who live in food insecure homes are more likely to suffer from iron deficiency anemia, depression, decreased cognitive function in school, and other physical and mental health issues (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2015).

Families who have low incomes may need to make a decision between paying for food, or for other bills/ necessities. This could mean that a child doesn't have the food that they need. A lack of food and nutrients can impact that child's academic performance and their growth and development. Food insecurity can be a result of many different conditions, and it affects over 34 million people in the United States (What is Food Insecurity, nd). Food insecurity is a big issue that we need to take action to combat.

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The Chester County Food Bank is an amazing organization to help combat food insecurity in the area. Food insecurity impacts so many families and young children. I want to be an elementary school teacher, and I know that in the future there will be students in my class who will be impacted by food insecurity. I want to support an organization such as the CCFB in order to provide these students with the nutrition and food resources that they need to be successful. No student will be successful if their basic needs, such as hunger, are not fulfilled. Supporting the CCFB will provide students struggling with food insecurity in the area a chance to achieve equity with their peers.

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There are so many ways that you can get involved and make an impact. Some of these opportunities are listed below.

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There are so many different volunteer opportunities through the Chester County Food Bank. You can volunteer with a group or alone, and there are many different jobs that you can help with. Click the link below to learn more about the CCFB's volunteer opportunities.

https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/get-involved/as-a-volunteer/

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Hosting a food drive is a great way to unite your community and collect food for those in need. The food collected in a food drive can then be distributed through the CCFB's partner agencies and food cupboards. Food drives can be hosted in person or virtually. Learn more from the links below.

In person food drives: https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/donate-food/

Virtual food drives:
https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/virtual-food-drive/

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Donations can come from individuals, organizations, and corporations. These monetary donations allow CCFB to continue to purchase bulk food to give out, and to educate the community on food insecurity and ways to help. Donations are important to keep the organization running. Click the link to learn more and make a donation.

https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/

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Phone: 610-873-6000

Email: contact@chestercountyfoodbank.org

Contact specific team members:
https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/get-to-know-us/our-team/

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The Chester County Food Bank (CCFB) is a non-profit organization with over 160 partner agencies throughout Chester County, PA. It was founded in 2009 as a way to combat the increasing issue of hunger after the recession. The CCFB aims to decrease food insecurity in Chester County by creating a sense of community and teamwork, and by raising awareness of the issue within the community.

Not only does the CCFB take donations of canned goods and nonperishables, but it also collects fresh, locally sourced, and nutritious foods. The organization is partnered with different farms in the area to provide families in need with fresh produce. It also provides education on healthy and nutritious foods and recipes, and where to access these resources. The CCFB aims to raise awareness about food insecurity and educate the community on how to combat the issue.

The CCFB collects 3.5 million pounds of food annually which is then distributed to the more than 160 partner organizations. The food collected can then be accessed by people in need at many locations in Chester County through food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters, healthcare providers, schools, residences, senior centers, and other outreach organizations (Chester County Food Bank, 2022).

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References for experiential learning project