Food-Filled Boxes Moved Saturday to Pottstown Cluster

POTTSTOWN PA – Several boxes filled with food donated by area residents were on their way Saturday afternoon (March 7, 2026) to the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, following a collection drive held at Grocery Outlet, 799 State St.

The cluster supplied a truck to move the goods. Borough Mayor Stephanie Henrick, and Grocery Outlet owners Dan and Kira Schwalenberg, coordinated to conducted the food collection Saturday outside the store. An available hand-out list identified food products and hygiene items most in demand among those in need.

A day-long stream of shoppers at the store did the rest. “We appreciate your generosity,” the mayor told donors.

Henrick calls the Schwalenbergs “amazing partners” who made it easy for shoppers to contribute. Pallets of products, reflected on the list, were placed outside so they could be easily added to shopping carts. “No hunting necessary,” the mayor adds. To make donations affordable for customers, Grocery Outlet also promoted several sales with substantial discounts.

Some market visitors also donated canned goods or made cash contributions.

Serving A Growing Need

Food affordability, local food insecurity, and transportation issues affecting clients has prompted the cluster to expand its food pantry service. Local churches, schools, and housing developments have been added as partners.

Additionally, the cluster initiated a business giving partnership program called Partners for Community Impact.” It encourages area business owners to transform lives by investing in the cluster with their donations.

Besides operating the pantry, where clients can choose a variety of items to help feed their families, the cluster also serves as the largest food redistribution organization in Montgomery County. It supplies food to smaller, local pantries across the county. It also powers Pottstown’s Community Meals Program, which has been serving residents for more than 50 years, by consistently supplying food for meal sites.

It’s Easy to Help

Those who missed the food drive at Grocery Outlet can still contribute food items or monetary donations directly to the cluster at 57 N. Franklin St.

For donors’ benefit, here’s its Saturday list of in-demand items:

• Pasta, macaroni and cheese kits, spaghetti sauce, pasta and sauce such as Spaghetti Os or Chef Boyardee ravioli, canned soups, canned vegetables, canned proteins such as meats and tuna, canned fruits, cake mixes, peanut butter and jelly, and ready-made meals.
• Hygiene items in need include bar soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.

Photos by Travels With The Post

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