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Donation by Flyers will help Philabundance feed the hungry

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There won’t be any hockey for a while, but that didn’t stop the Philadelphia Flyers from making a big play at a crucial time.

Last week, Flyers Charities donated $250,000 to Philabundance to fight hunger across the Delaware Valley. The donation will allow Philabundance, one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the area, to feed 160,000 people struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philabundance is located at Galloway Street and Pattison Avenue and serves more than 90,000 people each week, ranging from children to seniors. Last year, it distributed more than 26 million pounds of food through a network of 400 partners, and partnerships with hospitals, schools, libraries and other service providers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided another challenge.

“Prior to COVID-19, approximately 700,000 people across our nine-county service area went to bed at night not knowing where their next meal would come from,” said Sara Hertz, chief development officer at Philabundance. “Several weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, that number is steadily increasing.”

The Flyers’ generous donation, along with a $250,000 donation from the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sixers Youth Foundation, have combined for a half-million dollars, which will provide food to 320,000 people in the region.

The money from the Flyers’ donation will purchase about 20,000 boxes of provisions, including shelf-stable items like pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, rice and beans. Several distribution sites are in South Philly, so a good portion of the food will go to the immediate local community.

“This generous donation will help us purchase shelf-stable and perishable food items, providing meals for thousands of children, families and seniors in need,” Hertz said. “We are beyond grateful for this donation and appreciate the continued support of the Flyers organization.”

A list of more than 40 food pickup sites, supported by the city, Share Food Program and Philabundance, are listed on the city’s website. Sites are open from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Thursdays, and residents can pick up one box per household.

South Philly locations include: Christ Church South Philly at 229 Moore St., Wharton Square Playground at 2300 Wharton St., Murphy Recreation Center at 300 Shunk St., East Passyunk Community Recreation Center at 1025 Mifflin St., Young Chances at 2703 Tasker St. and SEEMAC at 1711 S. Broad St.

In addition, 49 school district schools are open from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Thursdays. Each child will receive six meals.

South Philadelphia locations include: Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts at 901 S. Broad St., Horace Furness High School at 1900 S. 3rd St. and South Philadelphia High School at 2101 S. Broad St.

Charter schools have varying days and times for pickup. Residents should contact schools directly or visit the school’s website. On the city’s list of participating schools are Mastery Charter Thomas Campus at 927 Johnston St., Universal Audenried at 3301 Tasker St. and Universal Vare at 2100 S. 24th St.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has six locations, including Wilson Park at 2500 Jackson St., supplying children with grab-and-go meals for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and noon.

Any child is eligible at any site. No ID is required. Residents should confirm locations on the city’s website at https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-28-where-to-find-free-nutritious-food-during-covid-19/, as locations, days or times are subject to change.

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