The Coventry Food Pantry can trace its roots back to 1972, when the agency was formed to assist victims of Hurricane Agnes. Today, the all-volunteer-run organization continues to supply food and household goods to families and individuals in need who reside in the Owen J. Roberts (OJR) School District.

And, after being housed in the basement of the North Coventry Township Municipal Building, the pantry has relocated to 692 W. Schuylkill Road (Route 724), Unit 1, Pottstown. The pantry, which was housed in a 900-square-foot space, opened at the new location in June 2022, a former retail store measuring 2,500 square feet, nearly three times the size of the former site.

"We had to transport food, our freezers, refrigerators and all the shelving," said food pantry director Ginny Wade, noting the move took about a month to complete. The work was carried out by volunteers, including Rick Ash and Brian Wade, pantry managers.

The pantry holds its monthly food distribution on the first Tuesday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Those who register as clients and meet certain income requirements receive a wagon full of supplies, which includes peanut butter, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned soup and instant mashed potatoes, along with fresh eggs and milk and cleaning and paper products. Fresh produce is provided by the Chester County Food Bank.

Due to the pandemic, the pantry started a drive-up distribution, which it still maintains. "They meet Brian in the back parking lot and fill out the paperwork, and they pull around and we talk to them briefly," Ginny explained. "They don't even have to get out of their cars."

About 55 to 65 families are served per month, which represents 200 to 250 individuals.

In addition to its regular distribution, the pantry offers a weekend backpack program. "The guidance counselors find kids who are struggling, and we supply them with a backpack full of food for the weekend," Brian explained, noting about 60 OJR students are given backpacks each week.

There are also special holiday distributions, including Christmas, when youngsters are provided with an assortment of gifts.

The pantry is always in need of food donations. Items can be placed in a bin located in the front of the building. Those with large quantities of items to donate may email coventryfoodpantry@gmail.com to arrange a drop-off time.

"We need canned pasta and canned meat like beef stew. We also run out of canned fruit quickly," said Ash, noting that cleaning products and personal care items are also accepted.

Ginny hopes that the community will continue to support the pantry in its new location. "We are so happy to be here and so happy to have moved, but we have so many more expenses here that we did not have before, like heating and electricity," she said. "We are really relying on the community for food and monetary donations."

For more information, including donation and volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.coventryfoodpantry.com or http://www.facebook.com/coventryfoodpantry.