BKO to Support New, Local “Fresh Connect” Free Farmers Markets
Fairless Hills, PA, June 1, 2018 – Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, United Way of Bucks County’s signature hunger-fighting event, will expand to provide even more fresh produce in Bucks County in 2018.
For the first time, a portion of funds raised through the campaign will support Fresh Connect, a free, mobile farm market that helps low-income households in Bucks County. Founded in 2017, Fresh Connect now has three sites (Bristol, Warminster, and Ottsville) and serves hundreds of local families each week.
Bucks Knocks Out Hunger will also continue to support dozens of local food pantries by providing dairy, produce, meats, and over 125,000 nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These meals will be packed by volunteers from across the county on June 22, 2018 at Delaware Valley University.
Tim Philpot, the local United Way’s Impact Director for Health, sees a natural alignment between Fresh Connect and BKO Hunger. “By linking BKO Hunger and Fresh Connect, we are ensuring that these two great initiatives work together to fight hunger in a coordinated way,” says Philpot. “It also brings together our Fresh Connect partners with our BKO Hungers sponsors and volunteers, all of whom are passionate about fighting hunger and improving health.” he adds.
While BKO Hunger is a collaborative effort, bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and local farmers, Philpot stresses the need for individuals to support the program.
“We’re entering our 6th year with BKO and one thing has remained the same: The vast majority of our support – donations and volunteer time – is from individuals. We can only help our neighbors in need if the community gives generously. And trust me, every dollar counts,” says Philpot.
With an ambitious goal to raise at least $80,000 in just 6 weeks, all of the Bucks Knocks Out Hunger partners – and the people they server – are hoping the community will aid in the fight against hunger again this year.
Hunger and food insecurity are significant problems in Bucks County. About 1 in 11 Bucks County residents and 16% of all children are food insecure. Food pantries, which are essential lifelines to assist low-income families in need, are frequently unable to stock healthy foods like fresh produce or dairy products. As a result, low-income families can face serious health problems. That’s why Fresh Connect and BKO Hunger are so important.
Donations can be made online at www.uwbucks.org/bkohunger, dropped off at any Penn Community Bank, or mailed to the UW Bucks office (413 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030) with the subject line “BKO Hunger.” Links to volunteer opportunities are also at www.uwbucks.org/bkohunger.
This year’s campaign was kicked off with a generous donation of $5,000 from Penn Community Bank. Other local sponsors include BB&T Bank, Bucks County Women’s Initiative, Bucks County Community College, Comcast, Dow, Suez Water & Process Technologies, Parx Casino, PECO, First National Bank and Trust of Newtown and Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church (New Hope). Gatehouse Media, including The Bucks County Courier Times and Intelligencer, serve as the official “fight promoters” for BKO Hunger.