North Philadelphia food bank prepares 20,000 Thanksgiving meals

Caring for Friends will prepare more than 20,000 individual meals for this Thanksgiving season. The organization, which serves the North Philadelphia area, will also distribute over 12,000 turkeys with fixings, stuffing, and potatoes during the week before the holiday.

Vince Schiavone, the organization’s president, stated that between 20 and 40 partner organizations are scheduled to pick up food on Friday. He noted that while the group operates as a food program for seniors, it also functions as a large food bank supporting more than 300 local food pantries.

Schiavone said volunteers are currently streaming in daily to prepare for the holiday surge. The organization was founded 51 years ago by his mother, Rita Schiavone, who established it to create a deeper reach in communities with high needs.

Volunteers work to address both food insecurity and loneliness for older neighbors. Schiavone explained that the staff makes meals for seniors and delivers them with friendly visits, providing both food and friendship.

Youseff Adbul-Qawr, a 13-year-old volunteer, helped work on a large vat of turkey and vegetable soup. He said he is grateful for the opportunity to give food to others. Another volunteer, Joanne Esquilin, said she grew up in the heart of North Philadelphia and experienced food insecurity herself, which makes her work feel important.

Schiavone said his mother’s mission was to provide food and friendship, and he believes her legacy continues through the current volunteer efforts. The organization is accepting donations and new volunteers through its website at caringforfriends.org.