A new mural at Philabundance’s Hunger Relief Center is now overlooking Pattison Avenue.
The artwork was commissioned and installed in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, and it was designed by artist Calo Rosa.
A mural dedication was held on Sept. 6, featuring representatives from Mural Arts and Philabundance as well as volunteers and elected officials. The goal was to bring new life to South Philadelphia while celebrating the impact of Philabundance’s work in the community. The event also highlighted the nationally recognized Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month campaign, observed throughout September.
Rosa’s creation, called “More Than Food,” features food flowing through the Philabundance warehouses, volunteers actively engaged and the journeys of the people served.
“I was lucky enough to grow up in a family full of art and good food,” Rosa said. “In this mural, I got the chance to honor my mom looking at the past as a part of history, and my son looking forward to the future. The fact that Philabundance helps create this love in homes and the joy of opening a box and creating something with love is what inspired this mural.”
Philabundance and Mural Arts hosted paint days throughout the summer that included the efforts of Philabundance staff members, volunteers and sponsors, who joined the Mural Arts team to contribute to the mural by painting cloth sections that are being installed on the wall of the Galloway Warehouse.
“We had a great team,” Rosa said. “I’m happy with the result, but so happy that people like it as well. It’s a celebration to honor all the people who help Philabundance. That’s what I wanted to translate in this mural, and I hope that everybody who walks by feels the same way – the energy, the happiness, that brings your work for us and to the community. It’s amazing.”
The mural was selected through a rigorous process involving Request for Qualifications and an immersion experience for finalists. The winning design was chosen via a popular vote by Philabundance staff, Philabundance Community Kitchen students, board members and community partners.
“We are thrilled to dedicate this beautiful mural that represents the spirit of unity, compassion and hope that defines our mission at Philabundance. This mural is both a work of art and a symbol of our commitment to fighting hunger and nourishing the communities we serve,” said Loree Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the talented artist Calo Rosa, volunteers and supporters whose contributions have made this mural possible. With every brushstroke, we are painting a brighter future, where no one goes to bed hungry. This mural stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. We hope it inspires others to join us in our mission to create hunger-free communities today while working to end hunger for good.”
An important message is now bigger than life in South Philly.
“Art, in its most profound sense, has always been a powerful tool for social change,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “It bridges gaps, fosters understanding and stimulates conversation. Murals like the one Calo Rosa designed are visual narratives that can illuminate pressing issues. Through this mural and our partnership with Philabundance, we can highlight food insecurity, humanize the statistics and create a palpable sense of empathy in viewers, causing more to be engaged in tackling the serious issue of hunger in the Greater Philadelphia region.”
