Share Food Program, led by George Matysik, was founded in 1986 as a food cooperative aimed at bringing affordable food to communities lacking supermarkets and with limited access to nutritious products. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most important food banks in the Philadelphia region, serving people experiencing food insecurity through a network of more than 350 pantries and multiple programs.

Today, the organization operates throughout the metropolitan area, including zones where need has grown rapidly, such as Northeast Philadelphia and the deep Southwest of the city. It also administers a program tied to the National School Lunch Program, through which 300,000 children receive part of their daily meals.

The mission guiding its work is simple and forceful: to ensure that every person who needs it has access to nutritious food — a mission born from the heart of the community.

Commitment, Volunteerism, and Community expansion

Share Food Program relies on hundreds of volunteers who pack boxes, call older adults to coordinate deliveries, and collaborate in local pantries. The organization also operates a home-delivery program, especially for seniors, and an educational garden where it conducts nutrition workshops.

Growing demand has pushed poverty out toward the suburbs, prompting the organization to expand its network and open additional warehouses in nearby counties such as Montgomery and Delaware.

Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program invites the community to learn about the organization’s services, volunteer, or request assistance whenever needed. “We are here to support all residents of the Philadelphia region,” he said. Those seeking more information can visit sharefoodprogram.org or call (215) 223-2220.

Philly Gives: Essential support amid federal funding cuts

This year, Share Food Program is facing one of its biggest challenges: the loss of $8.5 million in federal funding, a situation that has placed additional pressure on its ability to assist thousands of families.

For that reason, the news of being selected to receive support through Philly Gives was met with deep gratitude. According to Matysik, the organization felt “excited and honored,” not only for the financial contribution but also for being recognized alongside other important nonprofit organizations with which they already collaborate. For Share Food Program, this recognition comes at a crucial moment to help compensate for funding cuts and continue its mission.

Hunger is a problem that could be solved in a country with the resources of the United States, but “there has been a lack of political will,” Matysik noted. Even so, the organization continues working to ensure that no one in the region goes without food, particularly during emergencies such as the recent temporary pause of the SNAP program, which left many families without federal support and reaching out to Share Food Program with messages of gratitude.

Share Food Program has been selected to participate in this year’s Philly Gives campaign, which will run from November 1 to December 31, 2025. All donations made through phillygives.org will go directly to the 10 chosen nonprofit organizations, ensuring that 100% of the funds collected support essential programs.