guides

Local Food Support & Assistance Guide

Together, we can help ensure every family has access to the food they need

By Emily Emerson, Publisher of Macaroni KID Reading, Morgantown & Lancaster October 23, 2025

Many families in our community are facing food insecurity, meaning they don’t always know where their next meal will come from. This type of insecurity may be something that they struggle with openly, or quietly.  In today's world, everything seems a bit more challenging, and a bit more expensive. 

If your family or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, local resources are here to help. 

I am also willing and able to help to the best of my ability. If there is something I can do, please ask. Emilye@macaronikid.com 

With the upcoming uncertainty around food assistance programs and financial support for families, it’s more important than ever to make sure this guide includes every possible resource available.

📩 Please email me with any updates, additions, or corrections so we can help connect families to the support they need.

Agencies/ Food Banks

Beacon Food Pantry 

821 Schuylkill Avenue, Reading, PA 19601

*Every Thursday & Saturday from 10:00AM-1:00PM*


Exeter Bible Fellowship

926 Philadelphia Terrace, Birdsboro, PA  19508

They will be held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, 10:00AM distribution


Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank
117 Morgan Dr., Reading, PA 19608
Phone: 610-926-5802
Open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
This is the primary food-bank in the area, serving Berks and Schuylkill counties. 


New Journey Community Outreach

138 S 6th St, Reading, PA

Phone: 610-375-2662

Food, clothing, support, Mon-Fri, 9-1

Groceries, by appt.


Friend Inc. Community Services 

658 Noble Street, Kutztown

Phone: 610-683-7790

Northeastern Food Bank: First Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each month by appointment. 

Open Pantry (No appointment needed): Third Thursday of each month- 5:00-7:00PM

Third Friday of each month: 10:00-11:30AM

A multi-service social agency that supports the well-being of those living in NE Berks County. 


In His Name Pantry

2449 Cumberland Ave,  Mount Penn,  PA 19606

Phone: 610-779-4030

First Wednesday of each month from 4:00pm-5:00PM

*Clients are eligible for food assistance based on meeting the income guidelines set by Helping Harvest. Those guidelines are available by calling 610-779-4030.

Free Community Meals

Abundant Life Church 

320 West Main St, Birdsboro, PA 19508

Serves a Hot Dinner on every 3rd Tuesday of the month and offers a food pantry. 


Lincoln Park Community United Methodist Church

1 Carlisle Ave, Reading

Free breakfast every 4th Sunday of the month at 10 AM. 


New Journey Community Outreach

138 S 6th St, Reading, PA

Lunch 11:30-12:30. 

*Thanksgiving lunch- Saturday, November 15th, 11AM-2PM

Additional Services 

West Lawn United Methodist Church Clothing Closet

100 Woodside Ave, West Lawn

Infants, children & teen shoes, undergarments, socks, seasonal clothing and more

3rd Wednesday of each month; 4-7PM


Little Food Pantry: Sinking Spring

Cornwall Terrace Elementary, near the office entrance.

Sinking Spring Library on Penn ave, park in the back and walk up the side near the side entrance.

On Noble street near the Telford ave intersection, next to the church.


Little Food Pantry: Kenhorst

One United Church of Christ- 1730 New Holland Rd 


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