Bucks Knocks Out Hunger Expands Produce Offerings for 2018

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Bucks Knocks Out Hunger (BKO Hunger), United Way of Bucks County’s signature hunger-fighting event, will expand to provide even more fresh produce in Bucks County in 2018. The event will be held June 22 at Delaware Valley University. 

For the first time, a portion of funds raised through the campaign will support Fresh Connect, a free, mobile farm market that helps low-income households in Bucks County. Founded in 2017, Fresh Connect now has three sites (Bristol, Warminster, and Ottsville) and serves hundreds of local families each week. 

BKO Hunger will also continue to support dozens of local food pantries by providing dairy, produce, meats, and over 125,000 nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These meals will be packed by volunteers from across the county on June 22 at DelVal. 

Tim Philpot, the local United Way's Impact Director for Health, sees a natural alignment between Fresh Connect and BKO Hunger.

"By linking BKO Hunger and Fresh Connect, we are ensuring that these two great initiatives work together to fight hunger in a coordinated way," said Philpot. "It also brings together our Fresh Connect partners with our BKO sponsors and volunteers, all of whom are passionate about fighting hunger and improving health."

While BKO Hunger is a collaborative effort, bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and local farmers, Philpot stresses the need for individuals to support the program. 

"We're entering our sixth year with BKO and one thing has remained the same," said Philpot. "The vast majority of our support – donations and volunteer time – is from individuals. We can only help our neighbors in need if the community gives generously. And trust me, every dollar counts." 

With an ambitious goal to raise at least $80,000 in just six weeks, all of the BKO Hunger partners – and the people they serve – are hoping the community will aid in the fight against hunger again this year. 

Hunger and food insecurity are significant problems in Bucks County. According to the Bucks Knocks Out Hunger campaign, about 16 percent of all children in Bucks County are food insecure. Food pantries, which are essential lifelines to assist low-income families in need, are frequently unable to stock healthy foods like fresh produce or dairy products. As a result, low-income families can face serious health problems. That's why Fresh Connect and BKO Hunger are so important.  

How to Help:
To learn more about donating or volunteering for BKO Hunger, visit uwbucks.org/bkohunger. Donations can also be dropped off at any Penn Community Bank, or mailed to the UW Bucks office (413 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030) with the subject line "BKO Hunger."

Thank you to the 2018 Bucks Knocks Out Hunger Sponsors
This year’s campaign was kicked off with a generous donation of $5,000 from Penn Community Bank. Other local sponsors include BB&T Bank, Bucks County Women's Initiative, Bucks County Community College, Comcast, Dow, Suez Water & Process Technologies, Parx Casino, PECO,  First National Bank and Trust of Newtown and Saint Philip's Episcopal Church (New Hope).

GateHouse Media, including The Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer, serve as the official "fight promoters" for BKO Hunger.