Those interested in volunteering for the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB), a nonprofit organization that provides food to people in need, are invited to donate their time to the organization on Pennsylvania Day, Friday, July 18, in partnership with America250 PA Chester County.

A number of volunteer opportunities are available at the CCFB warehouse, 650 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton. For those who would rather volunteer out of doors, they may help harvest fresh vegetables at either Springton Manor Farm, 860 Spring Road, Glenmoore, or Two Gander Farm, 110 Buck Road, Downingtown.

According to Nick Imbesi, CCFB director of community relations, volunteers will help in the CCFB warehouse packing Senior Food Boxes or Summer Student Boxes. Currently, shifts are available from 1 to 4 p.m.

Senior Food Boxes are given out monthly and are designed to meet the nutritional needs of aging adults, while Summer Student Boxes provide food for youths for when school is not in session. "A lot of students are receiving free and reduced-cost meals at school. That is their most nutritious meal of the day, and we supplement that by providing boxes," Imbesi explained.

Other volunteer opportunities in the warehouse on July 18 include preparing and packaging prepared meals. Currently, shifts are available from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. "The processing kitchen is where we (prepare meals) before distribution," Imbesi said, adding that volunteers are also needed to sort, clean and pack fresh produce for distribution in the processing kitchen.

"We have opportunities at both farms from 9 a.m. to noon," Imbesi added. Food grown at the two farms is available to residents through the Fresh2You Mobile Market and at food pantries and cupboards throughout the county.

National Pennsylvania Day is an annual observance to honor Pennsylvania as the second state to join the Union after adopting the U.S. Constitution. America250 PA and America250 PA Chester County both mark this annual observance leading up to America's semiquincentennial in 2026 by encouraging volunteer efforts at local food banks and other initiatives.

According to https://america250chesco.org, the commission aims to "inspire and engage all our communities in commemoration of America's founding, connecting our county's stories to the nation's past, present, and future throughout 2026."

A list of volunteer opportunities and shifts available for Pennsylvania Day at the CCFB can be found at https://vhub.at/america250pa. Volunteers must register in advance while positions are still open. No walk-ups will be accepted. Youth volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. All minors under age 18 must have a signed waiver on file.

Closed-toed shoes are required while volunteering at both the warehouse and the farms. Those working outdoors should dress for the weather and wear sunblock. If working in the CCFB kitchen, volunteers must wear a hat or bandana. For those without a head covering, hairnets will be provided.

According to http://www.chestercountyfoodbank.org, CCFB secures, manages and distributes food to people in need through more than 100 community partners in the county through its network of food cupboards, hot meal sites, shelters and other social service organizations. Local CCFB partners include the Octorara Area Food Cupboard in Parkesburg; the Honey Brook Food Pantry; Shepherd's Kitchen, a monthly meal ministry at Honey Brook Presbyterian Church; and Blessing House, a food bank in Honey Brook.

Those unable to volunteer on July 18 may learn about other volunteer programs at http://www.chestercountyfoodbank.org/get-involved. "We post volunteer shifts on our website, and people can sign up through our volunteer hub," Imbesi added.