With Neumann University students moving home and online, the university had more than enough food to spare.

Social distancing measures have sent the students away from campus for the spring semester. The university is currently feeding seven students when it’s stocked to feed 700. What to do?

Then it was discovered that Drexel Neumann Academy knew of families who needed food.

Dr. Chris Domes, Neumann’s president, and a DNA board member, offered the food through DNA President Alice Sylvester, who gratefully accepted.

Neumann University provided eggs, cheese, vegetables, fruit and other perishable items. The food was picked up March 24 and 25.

“There is such a need out there. If we had anything we couldn’t use, I wanted to give it to a good charity,” said Rita Webster, interim general manager of Neumann dining services. “I’m so happy this happened.”

During the typical school year, DNA students receive free breakfast, lunch and two snacks a day, provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Those allotments are still happening, but the need for food has extended into the community.

“The tricky part for us became how to feed the whole family,” Sylvester explained.

Sylvester had signs placed around the school, and DNA teachers reached out to their students. When one family could not get to the school to pick up the food because they didn’t have a car, Sylvester was more than eager to make a home delivery.

“I can’t tell you the relief the mom had when I brought the food to her door,” said Sylvester.

The relationship between DNA, a Catholic elementary school in Chester, and Neumann University has deep roots. Neumann is one of DNA’s sponsors, and both institutions are founded on the values of St. Francis of Assisi.

The students frequent each other’s campuses for various enrichment activities and student teaching experiences.

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