Vivian's Cupboard Food Bank at Mazzoni Center
For more than 20 years, we have assisted LGBTQ individuals, and other Philadelphians, facing food insecurity through our food bank program.
Nearly 27% of LGBTQ people, roughly 3,029,000 adults, experienced food insecurity in the past year.
Our food bank aims to help clients and patients maintain optimal health and improve the efficacy of treatment regimens by providing them with a consistent, nutritious supply of food. The food bank allows low-income, Philadelphians to select packaged food items in a pantry-style setting.
Eligibility
Any individual and their dependent members of their household living in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties is eligible to access our emergency food bank with a referral from their case manager or medical provider. Clients must also be Ryan White certified.
Referred individuals may access the food bank three times per month and receive the equivalent of four meals for each member of their household at each visit. Clients are provided with additional resources such as information on other local/neighborhood food cupboards and information on accessing SNAP (food stamps).
Food Bank Hours
Tuesday: Closed
*Food bank closes from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM for lunch break.
Holiday and Admin Days Closures
The name behind Vivian’s Cupboard
The Food Bank at Mazzoni Center, which has provided nutrition services for people living with HIV since 1989, was named in loving memory of Vivian Cooperman in 2004.
Vivian was a valued employee of the Mazzoni Center starting in 1994, doing various jobs, including being an Assistant Case Manager for over 10 years until her passing in 2003.
Vivian’s husband, Mac Cooperman, worked as the food bank coordinator from 1999 until he retired in 2005.
"The space she has left in our lives will always remind us to keep striving for justice, to laugh a lot, and to enjoy life with whatever it brings."