West Chester, PA (August 29, 2024) – SILO, a nonprofit organization serving Oxford Borough and the surrounding community, is expanding its efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity thanks to the work of state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
Comitta recently secured $50,000 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for SILO, which stands for Serving, Inspiring and Loving Others.
Comitta said she saw SILO’s positive impact and dedication to the community in response to last fall’s fire in downtown Oxford, which destroyed multiple buildings and displaced dozens of families.
“SILO is always ready to step forward to help people and families in need. It was a pleasure to secure this funding and I want to thank all of the SILO staff, volunteers, supporters, and board members for their important and transformative work,” she said. “In addition to addressing food insecurity, SILO helps bring people together and build relationships, while educating and inspiring individuals to find and pursue their purpose,” Comitta said.
The funding will support the organization’s multi-pronged approach to ensure that no one in the Oxford community is isolated or experiencing food insecurity, including:
- Delivering Hope – provides people facing food or basic needs insecurity with free meals, groceries, and other basic necessities.
- Growing Together Community Garden – teaches people to grow fresh food for themselves and increase their self-sufficiency. SILO has also installed more than 280 raised-bed gardens in the backyards of those struggling with food insecurity.
- Monthly Meals – held every third Saturday of the month. Free monthly meals for the community also include activities and games for kids, crafts for the entire family, and opportunities to socialize and build relationships.
SILO Executive Director Melissa Pacella thanked Comitta for the support and said the organization plans to use the funding to expand its food programs, which focus on empowering families, fostering community connections, and supporting people with dignity and compassion.
“Working families who are having a hard time keeping up with daily expenses and rising consumer costs are increasingly turning to SILO for support. Requests for food have skyrocketed and this funding allows us to expand our food delivery program and ensure we are able to meet the growing needs of our community,” she said.
Pacella also said SILO is looking to launch an app to help manage its food delivery program and envisions adding an educational mural to its community garden.
“People are drawn to SILO’s monthly meals and the community garden, in part, because they can meet and get to know people unlike themselves. It’s an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and experience a sense of community pride,” she added.
For more information about SILO, visit oxfordsilo.com
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