NBC10’s Stephania Jimenez to moderate Bebashi’s virtual panel discussion on hunger in Philadelphia

The event aims to engage an esteemed panel of industry experts and the community to discuss the extent of food insecurity in our city and to ignite significant and sustainable change.

Philadelphia, PA (January 11, 2021) – On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, Bebashi – Transition to Hope will host “A Community Conversation on Hunger in Philadelphia,” a virtual panel discussion on food insecurity and hunger relief efforts in the city of Philadelphia.

The free event will be moderated by NBC10 anchor and reporter Stephanía Jiménez and will include expert panelists from Bebashi – Transition to Hope, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services and Temple University.

“Bebashi has always been committed to addressing the myriad of socio-economic challenges that individuals from low-income communities face on a daily basis, hunger being one,” said Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip, Communications Specialist. “Bebashi is hosting this event because we believe that there needs to be meaningful dialogue about this issue that affects so many persons in our city, and there needs to be a stronger push for significant and sustainable change.”

In Philadelphia, approximately 21% of the population are food insecure and this rate has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During a typical year, our FoodFirst food pantry serves, on average 3,500 clients, however, during the 2020 calendar year, we served over 7,500 individuals and families,” said Arelis Peña, Bebashi’s FoodFirst Pantry Coordinator. “The significant increase in the need for our services is something that we believe can be attributed to the ripple effects of COVID-19, and Bebashi has remained opened throughout the pandemic to ensure that no one goes hungry.”

The event is intended to be the kick-off to a series of smaller discussions on food insecurity and hunger relief that will be spearheaded by the Bebashi Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ) program, with the goal of engaging the community and championing action.

To learn more about the event and to register, visit bebashi.org/events or call 215-769-3561

Media Contact:

Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip
Communications Specialist
Bebashi – Transition to Hope
Phone:  (215) 769-3561 ext. 159
Email:    judeannesp@bebashi.org