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A stand will set up shop under I-95 starting tomorrow, giving away food for free to residents in need.

By Amanda Snyder

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Oct. 22, 2009

Philabundance volunteers assist residents at a Fresh For All in Willingboro, N.J.

With the economy as it is, many have cut back -- some even on their grocery shopping.

"Produce is expensive, so when someone is making a decision to pay their rent or buy a head of romaine lettuce, they cut out the healthy stuff," Director of Direct Service for Philabundance Kelly Hile said.

To add food groups that are often the first to go, Philabundance, 3616 S. Galloway St., has devised Fresh For All, which will offer donated fruits and vegetables to residents. Hunger relief organization Philabundance will spread the months-old Fresh For All to the area starting tomorrow, making Front and Tasker streets in Pennsport the 11th location to hand out a variety of fresh eats week to week, including everything from eggplant to bananas.

Philabundance has been working on setting up a Fresh For All in the area for awhile now, Hile said.

"A lot of people are struggling in South Philly right now," she said. "[There are] people that don't have access to fresh produce or can't afford it if it is available nearby."

While some Fresh For Alls are at a business or organization partner of Philabundance, the local location does not have a cohort and will be in the parking lot under I-95 Fridays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., rain or shine.

Typically, the partner organization provides the space for the stand, but some are outdoors. After the organization came up empty-handed on a group to accommodate its program, it worked with the City to use the lot under 95, which is accessible by car and SEPTA's Route 29 bus.

Only severe cold weather or a snowstorm could prevent the stand's appearance, but residents may call 215-220-1920 for that day's status.

"We update that daily, so people can call to know if we're open or not, but pretty much we're always there," Hile said.

With tough economic times in mind, the program is prepared to provide pounds of food, mostly fresh produce, to households in a given area but with limited access to that type of fare.

"It is kind like a farmers' market that's free," she said. "Anyone that comes is able to take anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds of fresh produce, bread and assorted dry items."

Residents must first register their basic household information with Philabundance, but are immediately able to receive food. No identification is needed to pick their choices and accepting it does not impact government benefits, such as Social Security. There are no restrictions on who can take part in the program, although Philabundance asks that people bring their own bags and boxes.

"Nobody is turned away from the program," Hile said. "If someone comes from outside the area, that's fine, too."

Philadbundance wanted to give the residents choices, so those who show up are allocated up to a certain number of each variety, but the rest is up to each individual.

"People can take less if they don't like that particular fruit or vegetable or they can take up to the max," Hile said.

Residents were happy to learn of the newest addition to the neighborhood. Debra Laute, of Front and Hoffman streets, planned to swing by tomorrow to check it out.

"Everyone is in such a recession right now, I know I can't afford anything," she said of why she wanted to see what was on offer.

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