The coalition behind Bucks Knocks Out Hunger has offered local food pantries a $12,000 grant to fight hunger locally. The money has been distributed to more than 20 pantries in Bucks County and will be used to purchase essentials like milk and eggs.

Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, led by United Way of Bucks County, seeks to eliminate hunger and food insecurity and increase access to nutritious foods for low-income children, families, and seniors. According to the organization, the $12,000 was designated to BKO Hunger by donors who participated in United Way of Bucks County's 2016 workplace campaign.

Heather Foor, Food Program Manager at Bucks County Opportunity Council – a BKO Hunger partner agency – says she is looking forward to making more nutritious foods available to pantry clients. "Items like milk and eggs are often in very limited supply and they are the ones most needed by the people who use the pantries," she says. The $12,000 grant is in addition to $70,000 worth of meals, fresh produce, and support that was disbursed through BKO Hunger in 2016.

The program is made possible by sponsors, hundreds of donors, and partners at Bucks County Opportunity Council, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue, Delaware Valley University's Hope of the Harvest Charitable Garden, and the United Way of Bucks County's Community Solutions Team. The need for food remains high in Bucks County, with one in 10 residents and 16 percent of all children classified as food insecure, said Tim Philpot, Impact Director for Health at United Way of Bucks County.

Here are some ways you can help: