Food Program

Community Impact of The Food Distribution Program in 2022-2023:

• 3.3 million pounds of food distributed
• 88,931 visits to the food pantry network
• 40,717 visits to Fresh Connect
• 5,196 senior boxes delivered

The Opportunity Council’s Food Program is Bucks County’s lead food agency for families in need.

The network includes over 75 providers focused on meeting the food and nutrition needs of low-income households in Bucks County and is committed to a set of operating principles that ensure quality service and accountability. Support comes from public and private funds, food drives, gleaning from local grocery stores, farms, and more.

When visiting and receiving food from a food pantry, food providers operate based on a set of principles focused on preserving the dignity and respect of individuals and families in need of a “hand up.” You will be asked to complete a “Self-Declaration of Need” form when you arrive. If you qualify, your family will receive a supply of food. The amount of food you receive may depend on the availability of food, as well as number of people in your household, and frequency of allowable visits. To participate in the Fresh Connect Free Farmers Market, all Fresh Connect attendees must become registered.

The Emergency Food Delivery Boxes program, initiated during the COVID crisis in response to quarantine restrictions and funded through COVID relief programs, has concluded. Regrettably, the Bucks County Opportunity Council is unable to continue offering this service due to capacity constraints. However, BCOC’s Food program supports over 70 food pantries in Bucks County, including four Fresh Connect sites. Please check our website for food resources available throughout our community and to locate a pantry close to you.  For assistance or inquiries, contact Food Program Manager Elizabeth Zbinden at 267-733-0529 x316.