Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to find the answer to your questions, we’d be happy to assist you! Please contact us for any additional information you may need.
Where are you located?
The West Chester Food Cupboard is located at 431 South Bolmar Street, West Chester, PA.
Where do clients live?
People who utilize monthly shopping at the West Chester Food Cupboard live in the West Chester Area School District. People who utilize the Food Cupboard Express primarily live in and around the West Chester Area School District but can live anywhere else as well.
What are the income rules for eligibility?
If you shop at the West Chester Food Cupboard, visit our Get Help section to see income eligibility. There are no eligibility requirements for shopping at the Food Cupboard Express.
How often can I come in?
You may come to the West Chester Food Cupboard once a month, and as often as you want to the Food Cupboard Express pantry.
Do I need an appointment or call ahead?
No.
How do I get my food?
When you come to either the West Chester Food Cupboard or the Food Cupboard Express you will come inside to make your own selections.
What percentage of your budget goes to salaries and benefits?
Zero, the West Chester Food Cupboard is 100% volunteer based.
What do your volunteers do?
Volunteers handle all of our shopping, stocking, cleaning, management and fundraising.
How many people are served by WCFC?
The West Chester Food Cupboard serves over 6,000 people in need a year.
How many pounds of food were distributed last year?
Last year, WCFC distributed over 1.8 million pounds of food that included dairy, eggs, meats, fresh produce, and a wide variety of non-perishable and basic personal care items free of charge to our neighbors in need.
How can I help?
Can I donate by making a Charitable IRA Distribution?
Do You Qualify?
- Are you at least age 70½?
- Do you own an IRA and take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year? If yes, your contribution can be “tax-deductible,” even if you do not itemize.
How Is That Deductible?
IRA distributions that you direct to the Cupboard do not count as taxable income, even though they count towards your RMD.
What Are the Benefits to the Cupboard?
The Cupboard receives the full amount of your intended gift, not reduced by taxes. The funds can be received early in the year, if you wish. You can contribute a lump sum or periodic payments.
What Is the Procedure?
Contact your IRA provider and request a “Charitable Distribution” check be made payable to “West Chester Food Cupboard”. This distribution will count toward your RMD but will not count as taxable income for you. Note that different IRA providers have different procedures. Some mail the check to you, and you must deliver it to the Cupboard. Some mail it directly to the Cupboard.
For specific tax advice as it relates to you individually, please consult with your adviser.