Water Street Mission’s Annual Rescue Mission Food Drive Starts Critical Need with 50,000 Countians Facing Food Insecurity

Lancaster, PA (October 2025) As we approach the holiday season, Water Street Mission is once again calling on the generosity of the community as it launches the 2025 Rescue Mission Food Drive (RMFD), running from October 30 to December 22.

This year’s Food Drive comes at a critical time. With the shuttle nearing capacity and with the state budget impasse threatening to disrupt SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, many Lancaster County families who already struggle to afford groceries could soon face even greater hardship. Water Street Mission anticipates an increase in requests for food assistance as a result.

WSM is striving to collect 80,000 lbs. of non-perishable food to meet the growing need—food that helps the Mission feed both residents living on campus and local neighbors experiencing food insecurity through its Outreach Center.

“The budget stalemate may sound like politics in Harrisburg, but for families here in Lancaster, it could mean an empty pantry,” said Jack Crowley, President of Water Street Mission. “We’re preparing for more people to turn to us for help—not just those staying at the Mission, but working families who rely on SNAP to make ends meet. Every donation will help us keep food on their tables.”

“We’re preparing for more people to turn to us for help—not just those staying at the Mission, but working families who rely on SNAP to make ends meet. Every donation will help us keep food on their tables.”
– Jack Crowley

Over the holiday season alone, Water Street Mission expects to serve nearly 27,000 hot meals to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, donations gathered during RMFD also support the Mission’s Outreach Center, which distributes thousands of grocery bags each year to community members in need.

To reach this year’s goal, WSM is partnering with local businesses, organizations, and individuals to collect food donations. Contributions may be dropped off at Water Street’s campus on South Prince Street in Lancaster (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM) or at one of the participating drop-off locations countywide.

“It’s easy to think a few cans of food won’t make a difference,” Crowley added. “But when you see those meals being served or meet someone whose life has started to turn around, you realize—it’s all connected. Every small act of kindness adds up to lives being changed right here in our community.”

Those wishing to support the 2025 Drive can find a list of suggested food items (please, no glass containers) and all drop-off locations at rescuemissionfooddrive.org.

About Water Street Mission

Since 1905, Water Street Mission has provided a place of hope and healing for at-risk men, women, and children in Lancaster County. In addition to food and shelter, all guests of the Mission have access to medical, dental, behavioral health, spiritual, and career support while on campus. For more information about programs and services, visit WSM.org.