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 neighbors who reside within the Upper Merion Area School District, which includes Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport Borough and West Conshohocken Borough. ID to confirm residency is required.
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 minutes before closing to be able to shop. If you arrive less than 15 minutes before closing, you will receive meal bags.
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’ll determine your eligibility to shop. Because UMACC is both a Full-Choice Pantry and a Resource Center, the type of assistance you receive may differ.
To get started, if you are eligible to shop, you’ll complete a UMACC registration form and the required TEFAP form to receive food.
What do I need to bring?
To shop at UMACC, you must verify that you live within the Upper Merion Area School District. Please bring ONE of the following:
A PA driver's license or State ID card with your picture and address
OR any photo ID plus a lease showing the landlord's name and your residence address (the person shopping must be listed on the lease)
❌ UMACC cannot accept utility bills as a form of ID.
Important Notes
If you are not eligible for full shopping, you will receive a Meal Bag only.
After verification, eligible patrons will receive a UMACC ID at their next visit. Please bring this ID each time you come to shop.
You may add one additional person to shop on your behalf if you cannot come in yourself.
Each Patron may shop only for their own residence during their visit.
Additional Information
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?
UMACC participates in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides basic food to anyone in need.
NO ID is required to receive TEFAP food. Families simply complete a short eligibility form once a year, as required by the program.
Foods purchased directly by UMACC or donated by our community are not part of TEFAP.
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?
We’re not able to take special food requests. Because UMACC relies on donations, our selection varies week to week. We do our best to provide a wide variety of options, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to serve all of our neighbors.
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. We have prepared prepacked meal bags with ready-to-eat foods, along with personal-care products to support basic daily needs.
What if I am living in a hotel?
If you are currently living in a hotel within the Upper Merion Area School district (including Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport Borough and West Conshohocken Borough) and have an ID (e.g. PA Drivers license) showing a permanent residence within the district, you may be eligible to shop at UMACC.
If your residence is outside the district, we can still assist you through our TEFAP Meal Bag Program.
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.
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