Here are some free food resources in Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Some local families are struggling with inflation and increased food prices. And the cost of living in this county is relatively expensive. I would like to share the food resources that may help. This article covers the following areas, plus some are for the whole county.
- Doylestown
- Warrington
- Warminster
- Warwick Township
Food Pantries
Here are some pantries which offer free food. It is usually enough for a few days. Please check their websites or call first in case any schedules or procedures have changed recently.
The Bucks County Opportunity Council website lists 7 food pantries in Central Bucks County. Distributions are on specific dates and times.
Bucks County Alive lists dozens of Bucks County food pantries on their website.
Having access to fresh produce is essential for a healthy diet! The Fresh Connect program is for people whose income falls under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is from the Bucks County Opportunity Council, and they offer fresh food pickups on Tuesdays from 11 am- 1 pm in Warminster. Pre-registration is needed on their website.
Fresh Connect also held pet food distributions, which is so important to help people be able to care for their pets in trying times.
The Food Pantry at Warrington Fellowship Church
Location: 1455 Cooper Lane
Open: Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. for anyone who needs it.
Please call or text first to make an appointment: Sherry 215-200-0733
The Food Pantry at Warrington Fellowship Church
Are you able to help?
Please call the church at 215-343-1916 for drop-off times.
Items requested:
- Diapers
- Oatmeal
- Tuna
- Powdered Drink Mix
- Fruit Cups
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Coffee
- Tea bags
- Cereal
- Granola bars
- Individual snack cups
- Shelf-stable meals
- Canned chicken
- Hearty soups
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Rice
- Crackers
- Baking items (flour, sugar, muffin mixes, brownie mix )
- Pancake mix
- Syrup
- Canned fruit
- Personal hygiene items
- Laundry detergent
Central Bucks School District
Barclay Farmers’ Market
This is not a market for purchasing food, but a distribution site for free food like fresh produce, eggs, bread, and pantry staples. The program is for any families in the Central Bucks School District in need. It’s held at the Barclay school on 2015 Palomino Drive in Warrington. It starts at 4 pm every Wednesday for cars, and 5:15 pm for people walking. The market operates year-round.
How Can You Help?
There is a GoFundMe page for the Barclay Farmer’s Market. Gluten-free foods are especially appreciated.
Food for Senior Citizens
People age 60 and their spouses can visit a senior center for free, nutritious meals (donations requested). Home-delivered meals are also an option. The senior centers apparently are still closed now. Seniors can contact the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging at 267-880-5700 or email aging@buckscounty.org. Ask for a care manager for an assessment of a senior who needs home-delivered meals. This is their website for county services for seniors.
Food Donations
There is a tangible pleasure in choosing and buying food for a donation drive. You can imagine the people who will receive it and the blessing it will provide. I remember when I first started volunteering at a food pantry in college that healthier shelf-stable foods were in short supply: people were in need of fresh food, low sodium, and sugar-free foods to help them manage chronic conditions. When you buy the food yourself, you can choose healthier options.
If you would like to donate food now, please contact the food pantries to see what the procedures are currently. Space for refrigerated and frozen food and fresh produce is usually limited. For shelf-stable foods, choose nutritious foods like:
- Whole grain cereal
- Nut butter
- Canned vegetables (especially low sodium)
- Canned fruits (especially packed in water)
- Canned soups
- Tuna
- Whole grain pasta
- Spaghetti sauce
- Brown rice
- Dried or canned beans
Don’t donate foods that have expired or that are in glass containers. Here is some more information about recommended foods to donate from Feeding America.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Palomino Road in Warrington has a food pantry drop-off on two Thursday evenings and two Saturday mornings monthly to support the Doylestown Food Pantry.
I noticed that Salem United Church of Christ on 186 Court Street in Doylestown has a food collection bin on their front porch. They are collecting items for the Bucks County Opportunity Council Food Pantry Network. Learn more about the items needed here.
As food pantries can purchase their foods at much lower prices than retail, monetary donations are always welcome.
Financial Grants
The YMCA of Bucks County has a program called “Operation Compassion”. Head to their website to complete the application for a financial grant.
Pet Food Pantries
Family Service Pet Pantry – Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Location: 4 Cornerstone Drive, Langhorne, PA 19047. Call first for faster service. 215-208-7233, For Bucks County residents only.
Animal Lifeline on Easton Road in Warrington normally operates a pet food pantry, but they are looking for a new location.
How You Can Help
Donations of pet food, litter, bedding, paper towels, and other supplies are welcome at these locations:
- Doylestown Animal Medical Clinic: 802 N Easton Rd, Doylestown
- RAU Animal Hospital: 1152 Easton Road Willow Grove
The Bridge Clinic has been holding a monthly pet food pantry in Langhorne on Saturdays. The pet food is available for a nominal shipping and handling charge. Follow the Bridge Clinic on Facebook for updates, dates, and location.Here is another resource for people who need pet food: Sam’s Hope grants. See their website for the grant application.
Growing Your Own Vegetables and Herbs
While not totally free, growing your own vegetables and herbs can be very economical. Try the Southampton library for the seed savers library: free seeds may include vegetables. Look for plant sales from the Bucks County Master Gardeners, usually held on the first Saturday in May.
The Friday Farmer’s Market at New Britain Baptist church sometimes has plants available for donation too. And try the Dollar Tree in Warrington for 4 for $1 seeds in the spring.
More Help with Food Resources and SNAP
For more help with obtaining food, call the United Way of Bucks County at 211 or text 898-211.
SNAP also has a pilot program for home-delivered food. The food may come from Amazon, ShopRite, Walmart, and FreshGrocer for now. You can read more about the details of this program here.
Little Free Pantries
You may see these food boxes around the area. People can pick up food and leave food donations for others. If you have seen these locally, could you please share the location in the comments, or send me a comment form with the information? Thank you!
Here are a few easy recipes that can be made using mainly pantry staples:
- One Pan Pasta with Chickpeas and Tomatoes
- Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
- Amazing Spiced Carrot Raisin Muffins
More Posts You May Enjoy
- Top 10 Favorite Grocery Outlet Vegan Foods
- Money-Saving Tips on Plant-Based Foods from 3 Discount Grocery Stores (Walmart, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s)
- Check these tips if you are looking to buy Fresh foods from farmers’ markets.
Originally published 5/22/2020. These resources are up to date as of 4/11/2023. Please contact organizations before heading out to pick up food as their dates and times may change.
