History

1983

HH is founded by a group of local religious leaders concerned about the community’s hunger problem. HH had 12 member agencies and distributed 500,000 pounds its first year.

1985

More than 1 million pounds of food is distributed from HH’s 7,000 square foot facility located on Neversink Street in Reading – using a 1971 bakery van for deliveries.

1990

HH grows to 45 member agencies. These agencies supplied a combined 125,000 emergency food assistance bags and meals.

1995

A capital campaign is conducted and HH builds a new facility with nearly 19,000 square feet in Muhlenberg Township.

1996

Annual food distribution tops 2 million pounds.

2004

/ Weekender Backpack Program

The Weekender Backpack Program is piloted at two sites. Today, nearly 5,000 low-income children receive Weekender bags at more than 90 sites throughout Berks and Schuylkill counties.

2009

Annual food distribution tops 4 million pounds.

2010

/ Produce 4 Kids

The first Healthy Sprouts distribution is held. More than 1 million lbs of food have been distributed through this program since 2010. Bags filled with fresh items like fruits, veggies and dairy are given to local children in need.

2013

More than 7 million pounds of food were distributed to more than 300 charitable food programs.

2014

HH embarks on a capital campaign to purchase and renovate a significantly larger facility in Spring Township which will allow it to best serve the community in the future.

2020

In 2020 HH distributed 11 million pounds of food during the pandemic crisis