Local Teens Launch Summer Food Distribution Program in Berwick
BERWICK, Pa. — Each Monday during the summer months, a line forms outside West Berwick Elementary School, where local adolescents have initiated a community-focused food distribution program aimed at supporting families in need throughout the school break. This initiative, organized by Berwick’s For the Cause Teen Center, has become an essential resource within the community since its inception in 2020, a response to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teen Center Director Danielle Pearson highlighted the program’s significance, explaining, “They give out milk, produce, meat, and various grocery snacks to help families get through the week until the next distribution.” The effort addresses a critical gap in access to nutritious meals for children during the summer, a time when they lack the daily school-based meal programs that many have come to rely on during the academic year.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of this initiative. The Teen Center has partnered with the Berwick Area School District and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to ensure that the weekly distribution operates smoothly. Families within the Berwick Area School District can participate freely; no income verification or pre-registration is required, underscoring the program’s commitment to accessibility.
“This program has had a profound impact on our community,” Pearson noted. “We have many local teens and their families who benefit from both the Teen Center and the food distribution program. Hearing feedback about how much this support means to them reinforces the importance of our work.”
In a move that not only facilitates food access but also fosters community engagement, the teenagers involved in this program are responsible for its organization. They are actively engaged in packing food items before distribution and interacting with families during the event. This involvement not only aids in their personal development but also helps to eliminate stigma associated with food assistance programs. Pearson remarked, “The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming; there’s no need for uncomfortable paperwork or discussions about income. It creates a laid-back environment where they can simply receive the help they need.”
The summer food distribution program operates every Monday from noon to 1 p.m. at West Berwick Elementary School and will continue until the first week of August, ensuring that local families have access to essential food resources during the summer months.
As the program continues to draw participants and support, it stands as a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in addressing community needs and enhancing the quality of life for families in Berwick.
