UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
UMACC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & POLICIES

OVERVIEW

Who is eligible to shop at the Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard?
The Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard (UMACC) serves anyone who resides within the Upper Merion Area School District, which includes Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport Borough and West Conshohocken Borough.

Where and when is UMACC open?
The Cupboard is located in the Valley Forge Presbyterian Church. Use 227 Independence Road, King of Prussia, PA in your GPS and look for the red entrance doors.

Open Hours:
Tuesday 9:30am - 11:30am | Tuesday 5:00pm - 7:00pm
*Please arrive 15 mins before closing to be able to shop.

Is UMACC affiliated with a religious organization?
No, UMACC is not affiliated with a religious organization. We are a tenant of the Valley Forge Presbyterian Church but are not a part of any religious organization.

SHOPPING AT UMACC

How do I sign up to shop at UMACC?

  • When you arrive for your first visit, we will ask you to fill out a UMACC application and a required TEFAP form to receive food.

  • To shop at UMACC, a Full-Choice Pantry, we must verify that you live within the Upper Merion Area School District. All patrons who want to shop must bring EITHER:

    • ID, such as a PA driver's license or State ID card with picture and address OR

    • Any photo ID PLUS a lease showing the landlord's name and the address of your residence. The person shopping at UMACC must be listed on the lease.

  • UMACC cannot accept utilities bills as a form of ID.

  • After verification, you will receive a UMACC ID at your next visit. Please bring this with you each time you come to shop. You can add one additional person to shop on your behalf, in the event you cannot get to UMACC.

  • If you do not have an eligible ID, we can still provide food for you.

  • Only one person may shop per residence. If multiple families reside in the same household, the designated Patron shops for that residence.

  • Each Patron may shop only for their residence during their visit to the pantry.

  • The UMACC strives to serve all who are in need. However, food availability may vary based on donations, inventory, and supply levels. We appreciate your understanding as we work to distribute resources as fairly as possible.

Do I need to provide identification to get food from UMACC?

  • To shop at UMACC, a Full-Choice Pantry, we must verify you live within the Upper Merion Area School District. All patrons who want to shop must bring EITHER:

    • ID, such as a PA driver's license or State ID card with picture and address OR

    • Any photo ID PLUS a lease showing the landlord's name and the address of your residence. The person shopping at UMACC must be listed on the lease.

  • UMACC cannot accept utilities bills as a form of ID.

  • If you do not have an eligible ID, we can still provide food for you. 

How many people from my residence can shop at UMACC?

  • Only one person may shop per residence. If multiple families reside in the same household, the designated Patron shops for that residence.

  • Each Patron may shop only for their residence during their visit to the pantry.

  • You can name one alternate person to shop on your behalf, if you cannot make it to UMACC.

How often can I shop at UMACC?

You can shop at UMACC once a week during open hours.

Can I request special foods to be stocked at UMACC?

At our pantry, we strive to offer a variety of food options to meet the diverse needs of our community. However, as we rely on donations, the selection we can provide varies. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work together to serve everyone as best we can.

I am currently unhoused. Can I still receive food? 

We provide food and essential supplies for our unhoused neighbors to ensure no one goes hungry.

What if I can’t get to UMACC during open hours?

We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to food. If you are in need, we may be able to provide meal bags and other resources. Please reach out to umacc.coordinator@outlook.com for assistance.

What are the expectations of UMACC patrons?

  • Responsible use: if a patron misuses the pantry by taking more than the allotted amount for their family size, they may lose shopping privileges.

  • Respectful communication: The UMACC is committed to preserving positive and empathetic communication between and among patrons, staff and volunteers, based on an environment of mutual respect. Therefore, the UMACC does not tolerate abusive, inappropriately loud, combative, aggressive, threatening language or behavior by any individual, whether employee, patron, volunteer, or visitor. Any violation of this policy could result in the loss of privileges to visit as a patron and/or volunteer at the pantry.

DELIVERY

*** At this time our delivery service is currently full.

Who is eligible for delivery?

How often is delivery?

How can I sign up for delivery?

Do I have to be at home when the food is delivered?

What time will my food be delivered?

Do you accept special requests for food to be included in my delivery? 

VOLUNTEERING

What are the requirements for minors to volunteer?

Minors ages 13+ may volunteer Monday from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm to help stock shelves, bag pantry items, and help with recycling.  Anyone ages 13 – 15 must be supervised by a parent who is also volunteering.

Are there opportunities for a team at my business/organization to volunteer?

UMACC welcomes corporate volunteer groups! If your organization is interested in making a difference, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Pantry Manager at umacc.coordinator@outlook.com to learn more.

What are the expectations of the volunteers?

Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring food reaches those in need. Responsibilities include:

  • Standing:  All roles require prolonged periods of standing throughout the shift.

  • Sorting & Stocking: Organizing food donations, checking expiration dates, and restocking shelves

  • Packing & Distribution: Assembling food bags/boxes and distributing them to clients

  • Some Heavy Lifting: Carrying and unloading food supplies, including bulk items and crates (lifting up to 50 pounds)

  • Patron Assistance: Helping individuals and families select or receive food while providing a welcoming environment

  • Cleaning & Maintenance: Keeping the pantry clean, organized, and safe for operations

  • Outdoor Work: Assisting with parking lot activity, cart retrieval and working in various weather conditions

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Is my donation tax deductible?

  • All donations to the UMACC, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax deductible for any donor via Network for Good

  • Making donations directly from your Retirement Account to the UMACC results in substantial tax benefits:

    • If you are 73 or older, you must take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. These withdraws will be counted as taxable income on your Federal Income Tax return, and this additional income may increase the amount of Federal tax you pay.

    • If you donate these funds directly to the UMACC using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your retirement account, the donation amount will not be considered taxable income.

    • These same QCD donations can also be used to support the UMACC by anyone who has turned 70.5, thereby shielding the withdraw from Federal Income taxation.

  • Gifting appreciated stock from a taxable account has a two-fold tax benefit:

    • The donor does not pay capital gains tax on the appreciated value.

    • The donor receives a tax deduction for the full value of the stock.

    • Please consult your tax advisor to determine how these opportunities may impact your financial situation. If you want to explore donating stock to the UMACC, please contact us at UMACC.Treasurer@outlook.com.

Can I make my donation recurring?

Yes, you can make your donation monthly via Network for Good.

Do you accept PayPal or Venmo?

If you prefer to give with PayPal: Donate to UMACC via PayPal

If you prefer to give with Venmo: Venmo | Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard