Food pantry expands, meets the growing needs of veterans | va coatesville health care | veterans affairs

The Lincoln’s Promise Food Pantry at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center has expanded significantly in 2024 to more than double the number of people they served to 348 in

December 2024. Originally launched to combat food insecurity, the pantry's growth reflects both an increasing demand for its services and the ongoing support from the community. “We

hear from Veterans every day about how grateful they are for the pantry,” said registered dietician Lauren Windle, RD, LDN. “Veterans are stating they are eating better, losing weight in a

positive way, have access to fresh fruits and vegetables they would not have without the pantry, and no longer must choose between paying bills or buying food.”  The food pantry opened its

doors in 2022 as a partnership with the Chester County Food Bank because of the well-established relationship of hosting the Fresh2you Mobile Market throughout the growing season each year.

  EXPANDING TO MEET VETERANS’ NEEDS By January 2024 the pantry grew to serve 148 people and continues to expand to meet the growing needs of Veterans with the community.  One of the most

significant changes this year was relocating the pantry to a larger space almost a year ago. The move provided additional storage space for more shelf-stable food and allowed Veterans to

increase visits from once a month to once a week.  A donation from the Chester County Food Bank included two refrigerators and a freezer expanding the variety of food offered to include

fresh produce, dairy, eggs, frozen foods, and other donated items.  Large and small donations from the community grew to more than $80,000 in 2024. The continued expansion allowed the food

pantry to serve 348 people in the community by providing them with food assistance that improves Veterans' health and eases their financial burdens. MAKE A DONATION Although donations

from the community have increased, the pantry continues to rely on donations to keep its shelves stocked. The most needed items include canned fruit, peanut butter, cereal, soups, snacks,

and canned proteins like tuna and chicken.  To schedule a donation, call the Lincoln’s Promise Food Pantry at (610) 384-7711, extension 3748. ACCESSING THE FOOD PANTRY Any Veteran who is

food-insecure is welcome. Eligibility does not depend on an income threshold. Veterans do not need a referral to use the pantry; they can self-refer by contacting a Coatesville VAMC

nutrition specialist at (610) 384-7711, extension 3748.  If you know a Veteran who lives in Delaware, Montgomery or Chester County and could benefit from either food assistance or easing

their financial burdens, talk to them about the Lincoln’s Promise Food pantry.