For more than two decades we have fought hunger in the Greater Philadelphia region with one guiding principle:
Hunger is preventable.
Our Mission
The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger works to build a community where all people have the food they need to live healthy lives because we know that hunger is preventable. We envision a food secure Philadelphia region in which all people maintain access to vital food resources that meet their dietary, nutritional, and cultural needs.
Annual Report
It has been a tremendously challenging year as we saw the demand for food resources rival the beginning of the pandemic. Households fought to meet their basic needs in what can only be described as a hunger crisis. As we reflect on the past year, we approach the new year with stronger internal systems, gratitude for your support, and our team’s tenacity to address the root causes of food insecurity…with hope that someday the Coalition will no longer need to exist.
Strategic Plan
For over 27 years we have worked to build a community where all people have the food they need to live healthy lives. We are committed to continuing this important work and know that it will take much more than food to end food insecurity throughout Philadelphia. That’s why our 5-year Strategic Plan focuses on operationalizing our values inside and outside of our organization while addressing the root causes of food insecurity.
Core Values
Our values inform how we do our work, how we show up with clients, partners, and our community of dedicated supporters, and how we engage with each other as a team.
ADVOCACY
We listen deeply to the people we work with. We amplify the voices of people we work with.
DIVERSITY
We actively seek out people from diverse backgrounds to be a part of our organization. We invite all people to share their perspectives and experiences.
COLLABORATION
We intentionally seek out opportunities to connect with and learn from people with different perspectives, approaches, and roles.
MUTUAL CARE
We support all members of our community to prioritize care for themselves and their families.
RELIABILITY
We consistently show up for our partners and clients and are respected by our peers. We strive for excellence in all we do.
The Evolution of the Coalition
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The first efforts of what would become the Coalition Against Hunger were aimed at bolstering leaders and advocates in the emergency food system. This was a gathering of several existing anti-hunger leaders and organizations across the Philly region meeting informally, and this work lives on through our Victory in Partnership Network.
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Our support network functioned as an informal working group until 1996 when our organization was formally established through a planning process led by Bread for the World.
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Since our founding, we’ve held an annual Race Against Hunger 5K to elevate the visibility of food insecurity, to raise funds to support our work, and to provide a platform for our local pantry and soup kitchen partners to do the same.
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This grant transformed the way we were able to help local individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, as SNAP benefits (food stamps) are the most effective short-term solution to increasing food security.
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Awarded by the Congressional Hunger Center, this award recognized the Coalition Against Hunger for our significant contributions in the fight to end hunger and build food security.
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In 2005, our team began completing SNAP applications for individuals and families over the phone. Today, our SNAP Hotline continues to assist callers with their SNAP benefits and finding other community food resources.
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This designation opened up many more possibilities for the Coalition Against Hunger to fund our emerging comprehensive approach to building food security by connecting people to immediate food resources, facilitating short-term support, and fighting for lasting change.
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Our Victory In Partnership Network was formalized in 2009. It evolved from “1st Tuesdays,” a monthly meeting in West Philly for pantry leaders around the city.
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In 2013, the Coalition Against Hunger launched two Green Light Pantries, a new kind of food pantry focused on promoting healthy eating while helping families put food on the table.
Unlike most other food pantries, these Green Light Pantries provide only highly nutritious food to their clients. Pantry members also take part in monthly nutrition workshops and receive other services.
There are currently two Green Light Pantries in Philadelphia:
Drueding Center
Casa del Carmen
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Top Philly restaurants compete with their best sweet and savory brunch items to be named Best of Brunch, all in support of the Coalition Against Hunger’s vital work building food security throughout Philadelphia.
