ElderNet Pantry Overview
The ElderNet Food Pantry is a community-based program housed in the Ada Mutch Community Resource Center (AMCRC). It provides free groceries and personal hygiene items to low-income adults who are over sixty or living with a disability.
Senior poverty is at or near a 10-year high, particularly when measured with the supplemental poverty measure. Data indicates that poverty among older adults has increased in recent years, and in 2024 reached approximately 15% under the supplemental measure. For many of our participants, food insecurity is compounded by the inability to purchase essential hygiene items like toilet paper or soap with government benefits such as SNAP.
Pantry Service Statistics (families/individuals served annually)
- Over 200,000 lbs. of food provided to our community.
- Over 16,000 lbs. of pet food provided to our community.
- Over 240 households served.
- 45 Volunteers worked 2,190 hours to support the food pantry.
How We Help
Pantry distribution hours:
Tuesday: 10-11:45am, 2-3:45pm
Thursday: 10-11:45am, 2-3:45pm
Participation requirements:
-Age 65 or older or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
-Household income no greater than 185% of the federal poverty level
-Resident in one of the following zip codes: 19003, 19004, 19010, 19035, 19041, 19066, 19072, 19085, 19096
What to expect during your first visit:
If you’re new to our pantry, visit us during the distribution period that works best for you. When you arrive, take a numbered ticket and wait outside to be called. When it’s your turn, you’ll come inside and we’ll go over any relevant paperwork necessary to sign you up as a regular client. You will be asked for your first and last name, address, birthday, and phone number. You will be asked if you receive income above a certain amount. No ID is required. Please feel free to get in touch with us with any questions or concerns before your visit.
Additional Programming:
Ask-A-Nurse – A Bryn Mawr Hospital nurse is on site the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 10-11:45am to answer questions and take basic vitals.
Care Coordinator Walk-In Hours – A member of our care management team will be available to speak with you without an appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:45am.
Donation drop-off:
Non-perishable donations can be dropped off any time at the main building or the pantry. When donating during off hours, please leave items in the donation shed next to the vestibule at the pantry.
Perishable donations must be given directly to a staff member or volunteer during distribution hours. You can also get in touch with us to set up a time to drop off.
Food drives:
If you’re interested in doing a food drive on our behalf, please feel free to do so! You can refer to our donation request list for what to collect or you can get in touch to see what items we’re most in need of at that time.
For dropping off large amounts of collected items, make sure to contact us beforehand so we can coordinate the best time accept.
Interested in volunteering?
See our volunteer page for details about how to sign up. You can also get in touch with our volunteer coordinator Michelle Buller at 215-388-0157 or [email protected].
Pantry Contact:
Justine Babcock, Pantry Manager
610-252-0706 (EXT. 106)
215-614-8495
[email protected]
ElderNet’s Food Pantry Wish List
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD
- Canned pasta
- Canned meat and fish
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned soups and stocks
- Tomato Sauce
- Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Box Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Brown or White Rice
- Pasta
- Snacks
- Granola/protein bars
- Fruit cups
- Canned Fruit
- Cooking/baking ingredients
- Condiments
- Ramen, minute rice, and other quick meals
- Juice
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
- Boost/Ensure/Glucerna
PERSONAL CARE AND CLEANING:
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Tissues
- Depends/adult pullups
- Menstrual pads and tampons
- Lotions, creams, moisturizers
- Laundry detergent/pods
- Dish washer detergent/pods
- Liquid dish soap (dawn etc.)
- Disinfectant and body wipes
- Spray cleaners
- Razors
- Deodorant
- Shaving cream
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Bar soap
- Tooth brushes
- Toothpaste
Shop our AMAZON wish List
Hold a Food Drive for the Ada Mutch Food Pantry
ElderNet’s Ada Mutch Food Pantry (AMCRC) is always in need of non-perishable food donations. Our supplies start to get low as the summer months approach, so we are in greatest need of food donations between May and October. Holding a food drive any time during the year is helpful as we can stock our shelves full to ensure our clients receive enough food throughout the year.
- Anyone can hold a food drive, whether it be a family, a school, a neighborhood, a business, or any other organization.
- Decide how long your food drive will last (week-long, month-long, etc.).
- Create a donation collection box in which people place their non-perishable donated food items.
- Advertise your food drive. Create flyers, post your food drive on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to tell all of your friends. Include details, such as how long your food drive will last, what times donations can be dropped off, the drop-off location, a list of items that the pantry needs, and a notice that the food drive benefits ElderNet’s Ada Mutch Food Pantry.
- As you receive donations, it is important to check expiration dates. While we check the dates of all food before it is distributed to the clients, your diligence allows us to focus our time and energy on serving our clients.
- Deliver your food donations to our food pantry or to ElderNet’s main office.
Donate Food Today
Hunger is not seasonal, which is why ElderNet works year-round to feed those in our community who are in need. Food donations can be delivered to ElderNet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Give the gift of food this year!
We are currently in need of canned meats, such as chicken, tuna, turkey, and SPAM; canned pastas (i.e., ravioli); peanut butter; and cereal. We are also in need of toiletries, such as incontinent aids, tissues, paper towels, shampoo/conditioner, and toothpaste.
Please check expiration dates and condition of boxes and cans
Food donations for our pantry can also be dropped off at the following locations:
- Bryn Mawr Hospital Cafeteria: 130 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
- Lower Merion Township Building Main Lobby: 75 Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, PA
- Ludington Library’s Reading Porch, 5 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr PA