Get Help
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and have easy access to nutritious food in a welcoming environment. Which is why the West Chester Food Cupboard offers two different ways for receiving help – the Food Cupboard and Food Cupboard Express. Learn about both and find eligibility requirements below. Questions? Please contact us for more information.
You Have Options.
West Chester
Food Cupboard
The West Chester Food Cupboard is a grocery store where people in need can select the foods they need and prefer. The West Chester Food Cupboard is limited to West Chester Area School District residents who meet state eligibility requirements. Residents can shop up to once a month and receive about two weeks’ worth of groceries, free of charge, each visit.
Food Cupboard
Express
The Food Cupboard Express is a small market setting, open to anyone who needs food, regardless of where they live. People may come as often as they need, and there are no eligibility requirements. Each visit, people receive about two to three bags of groceries free of charge. The Food Cupboard Express is also available to people who shop at the West Chester Food Cupboard as well.
| West Chester Food Cupboard | Food Cupboard Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Requirements | Yes – Household income must be at or below the table below. No proof required. Registration is required every July or your first visit. To register you just need to provide proof of address (e.g. drivers’ license, recent PECO bill, lease, etc) and the number of people and their ages in the household. requirements. | None – Open to everyone. |
| Location Requirements | Yes – Must live in West Chester Area School District. | None |
| # of Permitted Visits | Once a month | As often as needed |
| Free of Charge | Yes | Yes |
| Quantity of Food | Approximately 2 weeks’ worth of groceries | 2-3 bags of food |
West Chester Food Cupboard
Income Eligibility Requirements
Maximum Household Income
| Family Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Weekly Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 | $2,322 | $536 |
| 2 | $37,814 | $3,151 | $728 |
| 3 | $47,767 | $3,981 | $919 |
| 4 | $57,720 | $4,810 | $1,110 |
| 5 | $67,673 | $5,640 | $1,302 |
| 6 | $77,626 | $6,469 | $1,493 |
| 7 | $84,027 | $7,299 | $1,685 |
| 8 | $93,536 | $8,128 | $1,876 |
| For each additional family member add: | $9,953 | $830 | $192 |
Connect with services and benefits from other food providers.
From money for groceries to free meals for kids and more, there are many ways to get free and affordable food and access services for yourself or your family.
WIC
WIC provides free food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women and families with kids under 5.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to seniors throughout Chester County, including Avon Grove, BradLin, Coatesville, Coventryville, Downingtown, East Coventry/Vincent, East Pikeland, Glen Springs, Goshentown, GoshenWest, Honeybrook, Kennett Square, Luther House, NORCO, Oxford, Parkesburg/Atglen, Phoenixville, Pony Express, Spring City, Uwchlan/Whiteland, and West Chester.
SNAP
SNAP (formerly called food stamps) provides a food benefit card that works like a debit card to buy groceries for people who qualify.
Summer Meals for Kids
Find free meals for kids and teens in the summer while school is out of session.
Chester County Food Bank
Access our network of over 100 community partners, ranging from food pantries and shelters to churches and schools.
Additional Services
If you are in need of other social services, call or visit online 2-1-1, a regional social services hotline, to find human and social service resources in your neighborhood. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-964-7922 seven days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm to be connected to a 2-1-1 SEPA Information and Referral Specialist. Calls are free and confidential. Interpreter services are available in over 140 languages.