Food drive runs through July 31 at YMCA branches across Chester County 

(West Chester, PA) – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is collecting nonperishable food items through July 31 in support of the Chester County Food Bank and challenges members and the community at each of their nine YMCA locations in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most items. At the conclusion of the month, the Food Bank will help to identify the branch that collected the most items and that location will be recognized in YGBW communications in the month of August.  
 
The Food Bank identified a variety of items that are in greatest need, these include: breakfast cereals, oatmeal, granola bars, canned tuna, salmon or chicken, canned fruits, peanut butter (no high fructose), jelly, olive oil and more. A complete list of accepted donations is available at the YGBW website. No glass jars can be accepted. 

“Summer is an important time to donate food,” comments Jessica Rigo, Executive Director of the Brandywine YMCA and staff organizer of the food drive. “Many children rely on schools to provide them with meals and go without proper nutrition in the summer. We encourage members of the community to contribute whatever they are able to our food drive.” 
 
In 2022, the YMCA launched the Kindness Initiative, through which volunteers have donated and distributed nearly 2,000 holiday food baskets and gifts to local families and nearly 400 care packages to local shelters. The July food drive is the latest effort.  
 
To learn about the Food Drive.

To Volunteer through the Kindness Initiative.