Food for Families is a program that seeks to lower the food insecurity rate, especially for those with young children, and decrease the amount of food waste in York. It is a direct-client service at the York County Food Bank. Food for Families involves the distribution of 50 pounds of food free-of-charge to both individuals and families who come to the Food Bank on Fridays from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm. If you are struggling to collect enough food to support yourself or your family each week, we highly encourage you to come out to Food for Families!
Every Friday 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
254 West Princess Street
York, PA 17401-3881
HOW TO COLLECT FOOD
To collect food from Food for Families, come to our distribution center at 254 West Princess Street to wait in line to receive food. A volunteers will distribute numbers to those waiting in line on a first-come, first serve basis.
If you are joining the program for the first time, you will also be asked to complete paperwork about your basic demographic and household. The line forms on the west side of the building on Newberry Street along the warehouse. Doors open at 12:30 pm, and food is distributed until 2:00 pm. There is ample parking in the upper parking lot closest to the Codorus Creek. Food For Families participants ARE NOT permitted to park in the main parking lot directly in front of the building. Those spots are reserved for shoppers and member agencies.
Your number and ID must be presented upon entering the sorting room where you collect the food. Everyone is usually processed through in 1 hour, and there is plenty of food for everyone—roughly 50 pounds per individual or family.
FAQ’s
Who can come to this program?
Anyone can come to this program, individuals and families alike!
Is this program held every Friday?
This program is held every Friday. If Food for Families is cancelled one week, we will give you prior notice through our website and a posting on the front doors.
When should I get in line for the program?
The program officially starts at 12:30 pm. Some people line up earlier in the day, but everyone collects the same amount of food and we have enough food for everyone. We recommend arriving at 1:15 pm or 1:30 pm to beat the crowd, but you may start lining up as early as you like. We hand out numbers around 12:00 pm.
What if I don’t have my ID on me?
Please bring your ID. If you forget it we reserve the right to not give you food. This will be on a case-by-case basis.
Why do you ask newcomers for demographic information?
We like to keep track of who comes to this program so we know how to best serve you!
What type of food is distributed?
We distribute a variety of food goods, including vegetables, beverages, chips, meats, breads, sweets, etc. We strive to provide people with balanced meals.
Does the type of food vary each week?
The exact food will vary each week, but we guarantee to provide vegetables, beverages, chips, meats and breads each week.
How many people are served each week from this program?
In 2016, an average of 110 people have been served each week from this program. We currently have the capacity to serve up to 150 people each week. Invite your friends to come out to this program!
Has this program been successful?
This program has been wildly successful! We recently surveyed Food for Families participants and learned people feel more food secure because of this program. We are proud to say this program has had a substantial, positive impact on the community, and has helped people get back on their feet!