"Take What You Need, Leave What You Can"

This simple sign holds some very powerful words.  This food pantry, strategically located in front of 414 High Street Pottstown PA 19464 at Mission First Church, is only a few feet from the sidewalk.  Most people who would see a refrigerator sitting under a little house outside, in front of a church, may do a double take.  That is the goal in order to bring awareness to the food insecurities within our homeless community.  Mission First and the Recovery Learning Center (located inside of the church) is a place often visited frequently by our homeless population throughout the week.  Mission First is also one of the main stops for the Street Medicine Team.  Patients who are homeless within our community in need of on-the-spot medical attention and get connected to other resources such as primary care (CHDC), help with housing or shelter, get their medication(s), behavioral health, and much more.

This food pantry was started by Mission First Church, and the fridge is a partnership between Mission First and the Hospital.  The fridge a recent addition, arrived in perfect timing with the hot summer weather.  Inside there are cold water bottles,  popsicles, fruits and vegetables.  Last week someone placed homemade oatmeal cookies, with a note saying, 'made with love, please enjoy'.

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Donations can be placed at any time.  Park on High Street in front of the church and place your donation.  All donations are welcome, but it important to note that individually packed items are best.  Some examples are breakfast bars, water bottles, squeezable apple sauce, and Pop Tarts.

 

And remember, "Take what you need. Leave what you can".

Thank you to our Certified Community Health Worker / Medical Interpreter, Gladys Rodriguez, for this article. Mission First regularly updates their website and Facebook pages with their most urgent needs. The list can be found here.