Classic Towns News

According to Joe McArdle, a Phoenixville realtor, the idea behind the Phoenixville Food Bank was simple: bring fresh local food to people in need while bringing the community together.

The only challenge was sourcing fresh, healthy, and local foods. At first the group considered creating its own garden. After contemplating the logistics of setting up a production garden, though, the group decided the best way to achieve its goals was by purchasing shares from nearby Kimberton CSA farm using proceeds from community fundraisers and donations, including one held at the Phoenixville Iron Hill Brewery.

Each week members of the Phoenixville Area Time Bank pick up the CSA shares and deliver them to the Food Bank. The Food Bank then ensures that these fresh vegetables and other foods find their way to the plates and tables of local families in need. And for those families who also need lessons on cooking, they turn to Irish Joe’s, a local restaurant that offers free cooking classes in its kitchen.