Food Programs Through Catholic Social Services
Hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children in our community go without enough food to eat. Catholic Social Services recognizes this challenge and has a wide range of programs that provide meals to those in need.
Martha’s Choice Marketplace is the largest, most visited food pantry in Montgomery County. Martha’s Choice serves more than 1,000 families and 3,500 individuals each month. We distribute over 1 million lbs. of food yearly. Martha’s provides our clients with the dignity of shopping for the foods of their preference in a grocery store-like environment. We also provide a holistic approach to hunger prevention by providing education, and personal empowerment opportunities that recognize each person’s basic human needs and dignity. Martha’s also operates a community farm at the former St Gabrielle’s Hall.
Too many people in our communities go without food. Food insecurity is one of the main issues affecting children. Catholic Social Services provides food for those in need at food pantries located throughout the community. Our food pantries serve individuals and families from every walk of life. Our food pantries can be found at our area Family Service Centers.
St John’s Hospice is a drug and alcohol-free emergency shelter/residence for men who are in transition from homelessness to independent living in the community. During the day Saint John’s provides a nutritious and hot noon meal for more than 325 men each weekday as well as case management services, on-site nursing services, daily showers and clothing, and a mailroom service for over 900 men. The Coffee House at St. John’s Hospice provides a safe resting and sleeping environment for an additional 27 chronically homeless men who typically avoid shelter living. The men are provided a warm meal, beverages, and use of the SJH restrooms.
Family Service Centers are the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes when they seek assistance from Catholic Social Services. Five centers are located throughout the five-county metropolitan area. Our family service centers offer support and prenatal care and assistance to either those choosing adoption or those choosing to start their family. Our social service centers provide intake and assessment for individuals and families to assist them in accessing benefits and services. Emergency assistance includes clothing cupboards and food pantries, rent or utility bill assistance, housing referrals, and case management.
Once a month, the Bishops of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia host a dinner at St. John’s Hospice. Dinners typically center upon a different theme and include a served meal, entertainment, and giveaways. All men and women living in the community are welcome to attend.
The four Senior Community Centers located throughout Philadelphia, in partnership with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness, and independence for our elder generations in need. These social services also provide access to nutritious meals, supplemental food resources, and direct assistance in applying for benefits.
Chester City Coffee Club is a day program in the city of Chester, PA. This program is available to those experiencing homelessness. Four mornings a week, the Delaware County Family Service Center offers food, fellowship, and assistance to those in need. This includes access to showers, laundry, mail, and other services at no cost to the individuals in need.
Address:
130 E. 7th Street Chester, PA 19013Mercy Café provides aid to women experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty. Services provided include weekday lunches and access to clothing, showers, and toiletries. Limited case management services are also provided.
