Abington's Food Network

She couldn’t resist the store coupon that offered a free gallon of milk with a purchase of five boxes of cereal. The cereal went into bags distributed by the food pantry, and when she delivered that milk to a hungry family on the list, the grandmother at the house responded, “God bless you, God bless you,” with tears in her eyes.

“It touched me. This is why I do this,” said the volunteer who has coordinated the Inter-Faith Food Cupboard of Abington for the past nine years.  “That little kindness made a significant difference.  Food is such a basic need.”

Abington Patch introduces Rebecca Kelly, a leader in the region’s humanitarian safety net.

The Food Cupboard of Abington has greatly expanded during its 41 years.  What began in a closet is now a classroom in .  Since 2008, needs in the area have spiked dramatically, according to both Kelly and Laura Wall, Executive Director of Inter-Faith Housing Alliance, with which Inter-Faith Food Cupboard of Abington is affiliated.  In 2010, the Cupboard supplied food aid to over 5,000 people; there are well over 100 orders every week.  Although the primary service area is Abington, Cheltenham, Jenkintown and Willow Grove, calls come in from Philadelphia and Horsham, among other places.

Kelly said she draws inspiration from others in the community and added that she is also driven by the people served by the food cupboard. Kelly described a man who had lost his job and was forced to pick up emergency groceries at the cupboard. The man didn’t return to the pantry for months. But the next time Kelly heard from the man, he had a job … and was brining nonperishable items to the pantry as a donation.

People in need of emergency food aid should call the hotline, 215-885-2234, and leave their name, phone number, the number of adults and children in the family unit and whether they have dietary restrictions as required, for example, by diabetes.  Volunteers staff the pantry Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Calls are returned each weekday, and callers are expected to pick up their food aid on the day of, or day after, they call.  Guidelines restrict families from using the Cupboard more frequently than once every three weeks.

The Cupboard welcomes nonperishable food items and Kelly said it appreciates the regular support it has been receiving from the area churches, synagogues and scout troops. Kelly pointed out how fast the food flies off the shelves.

“Four bags of groceries for a small family can really add up,” she said, “but it doesn’t last long.  Eighty cans of tuna go really quickly.”

Asked about particular pantry needs Kelly said, “Think lunch boxes.  Kids’ snacks.” 

She noted that whereas people often dismiss jelly as a luxury, jelly is one of those staple items the pantry always tries to include for peanut butter sandwiches. 

Additional priorities are canned meat and protein sources – tuna fish, chili, beef stew, canned ham or chicken, hearty soups and boxed macaroni and cheese.  And don’t forget cereals, pasta and sauce and canned fruit.

Whenever possible, Kelly, an avid gardener, provides bounty from her huge garden as a bonus, but said it’s only in amounts that can be distributed fresh that day.

“There are a lot of suburban lawns that can be put to use growing food!” she said.

Kelly, a Connecticut native, settled in Elkins Park after majoring in American studies from Vassar and after spending interesting years in Dallas and Chicago.  She held positions as an art consultant, helping corporations purchase pieces ranging from framed posters to commissioned installations. 

When she and husband Chris began raising their three children, Rebecca took up photography.  She is now a professional photographer, particularly focused on events, portraits and holidays. 

Her love of nature goes well beyond admiring the scene.  Here’s a gal you’ll find skiing a glacier on Mont Blanc, canoeing in northern Minnesota and riding horses through the Wind River region of Wyoming. When her family is not exploring, she’s content to walk her dogs, enjoy trekking with friends through the Wissahickon and Lorimer parks, and cook with her husband. South Dakota’s Black Hills and Alaska remain on her to-do list.

Rebecca Kelly said she believes in the “American dream,” but rejects the judgmental criticisms that start, “When I was younger…”  

She said she recognizes the challenge of helping families lift themselves out of poverty, especially when many in that situation don’t know how to do it.  But she said, “We have to try.”

Rebecca Kelly is moved by some of the youngsters in the area who choose to make donations to Inter-Faith Food Cupboard instead of receiving birthday presents. 

“I am so glad to be a part of this generous, active and thoughtful community,” she said.

For more information, visit www.i-fha.org/Food_Cupboard.html