FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2025

Pottstown Cluster Expanded Access to Food with Satellite Pantry Partnerships

Pottstown, PA — In response to growing concerns about food insecurity and limited access to nutritious food in underserved areas, the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities is improving availability to healthy food by working with community partners to develop more satellite pantries. The Pottstown Cluster has serviced area food pantries for years, but they have added additional sites in order to tackle the ever-increasing needs of the community.

“Food insecurity is a challenge we can only overcome together. Transportation is often a barrier for families and individuals in need of healthy food. These partnerships allowed us to extend our reach and ensure that more people have reliable access to the food they need to thrive ,” said Patricia Shepherd, food services director at the Pottstown Cluster. “This initiative is about meeting people where they are. Our food insecure neighbors are not limited to coming to our Outreach Center but have food closer to their home. We’re ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to access to nutritious food.”

Through this partnership model, the Pottstown Cluster supplies the food and provides operational guidance, while the hosting pantry locations manage the scheduling and volunteer coordination. Each site has the flexibility to choose its own distribution days, hours, and frequency—ensuring the program can adapt to the unique needs of each community it serves. The program is completely anonymous—no ID or registration is required—removing a common barrier for those who may hesitate to seek help.
Satellite Pantry Recent Additions:

Coventryville United Methodist Church, 1521 Old Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA: Distribution: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bright Hope Community, 467 W. King Street, Pottstown, PA: Distribution: 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The College Student Basic Needs Program, now called the Resilient Students Network: Montgomery County Community College, Pottstown, PA Campus: Distribution: Stock up for Success food pantry located at North Hall 1st floor.
Established pantries supported by the Pottstown Cluster: Bethel Community Church of Pottstown (BCCP), Daily Bread, Mission First, Open Door, Open Link, Ricketts Center, Salvation Army, and YWCA.

The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities is a nonprofit organization working to transform lives by offering basic needs assistance to improve people’s socio-economic stability in Greater Pottstown area. For over 50 years, the Pottstown Cluster has provided food security, housing stability, and supportive services to individuals and families in need throughout the Greater Pottstown area while also uniting with local partners in a shared mission to meet basic needs and build a stronger, more resilient community. Learn more at pottstowncluster.org.

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