Fort Long Community Center describes growing countywide food distribution as needs rise

Libby Sweat Lambert, executive director of the Fort Long Community Center, told Chester County Council the center and its partners served 2,141 households (about 6,108 individuals) last year through a network of seven distribution sites across the county.

Lambert said the program has expanded rapidly. The countywide distribution operates monthly at sites that include Mount Pleasant Baptist in Richburg, Turning Point in Chester, Westchester Baptist and other churches and community partners. Volunteers — roughly 50 people per monthly operation — pack and deliver boxes; the county and local organizations contributed staff time, volunteers and funding.

Lambert said nearly 56% of the people served last year were age 65 or older and noted research she presented showing 17.9% of Chester County residents live in poverty and 29% of households are “asset limited, income constrained, employed” (people who are working but fragile to a financial shock).

She told council that a planned delivery of 600,000 pounds of meat for Harvest Hope Food Bank partners was canceled, forcing pantries to seek alternate protein sources and prepare to handle large shipments of fresh produce that require quicker distribution and storage. Lambert said the cancellation increases uncertainty about protein availability and may push pantries to rely more on canned goods, beans and nuts.

Lambert asked the council to continue supporting volunteer networks and local partnerships and invited council members and staff to volunteer at upcoming packing events; she also said the center is pursuing grants and regional partnerships to stabilize supply.

Council members thanked Fort Long staff and volunteers and noted the county has supported food programs and related nonprofit partners.