Posted March 31, 2014

The Green Light Pantry at Casa del Carmen in North Philadelphia, an agency of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, graduated its first class March 25. Also during the event, the United Way and the Philadelphia Eagles participated in a groundbreaking for a children’s jungle gym and garden beds that will be used to grow fruits and vegetables for the Green Light Pantry.

The pantry’s graduates enrolled in a six-month program for two days a week designed to improve their families’ health and nutrition. The participants were identified as having significant health issues, and they reside in low-income neighborhoods with high rates of food insecurity. The program includes health checks, classes on dietary and nutritional needs, food preparation and access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Green Light Pantry is one of two food pantries in the city that provide only nutritious foods to clients as well as free nutrition workshops, health screenings and other services. Developed by the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, the pantry focuses on promoting healthy eating while helping low-income families put food on the table. It provides families with foods categorized as “green light foods” which ranks items based on their nutritional value and USDA dietary guidelines. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Amy Stoner, director of the Community-Based Services Division of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services, which runs the Casa, speaks during the program.

  • Green Light Pantry graduate Juana Matias, center, applauds the pantry’s good news along with fellow graduates.

  • Michael Moynihan, executive director of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern N.J., makes a point during his talk at Casa del Carmen.

  • Former Philadelphia Eagle Harold Carmichael speaks during the festivities at Casa del Carmen.

  • Food will soon grow from the new raised garden beds installed at Casa del Carmen.

  • Eagles mascot Swoop, Mike Moynihan of United Way, Amy Stoner of Catholic Social Services and former Eagle Harold Carmichael break ground for new playground at Casa del Carmen.

  • Children from Casa del Carmen enjoy a visit from Swoop, the Eagles’ mascot.

  • Little girls attending Casa del Carmen thoroughly enjoy the visit by the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders.

  • From left, graduates Danesa Berrios, Ani Figueroa and Nilsa Rodriguez shop in the pantry.

  • Green Light Pantry graduate Luis Santiago shops for healthy food items in the pantry at Casa del Carmen.