Wisevoter
Philadelphia

Siloam Wellness to Host Annual Gala on October 30

The Philadelphia-based nonprofit will hold its yearly fundraiser to address rising demand at its food pantry.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector illustration of produce baskets and pantry items in coral and teal, symbolizing community food support in Philadelphia.
Siloam Wellness will host its annual gala on October 30 to combat rising food insecurity among Philadelphia residents living with chronic health conditions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you see more residents in your community struggling to afford basic groceries this year?

Siloam Wellness, which supports Philadelphia residents living with HIV, is set to host its annual gala fundraiser on October 30. The event follows a dramatic surge in demand for the organization’s food pantry services throughout 2026.

Why it matters

The fundraiser seeks to support clients facing increased food insecurity due to changes in SNAP eligibility and funding cuts to essential wrap-around services. Many individuals served by the organization must manage HIV and other chronic health conditions on extremely limited budgets.

Pantry demand has doubled from an average of 400 clients per month in 2025 to nearly 800 in 2026. Siloam filled over 6,500 orders in the first six months of 2026, nearly matching its total 2025 output of 6,649 orders.

The players

Siloam Wellness

Founded in 1996, this Philadelphia organization provides support services for individuals living with and affected by HIV.

Patrick J. Burns

He is the owner of Burns Family Neighborhood Markets, which operates The Fresh Grocer and ShopRite stores in the region.

Sister Bernadette Kinniry

She co-founded Siloam Wellness in 1996 to serve the local Philadelphia community.

Father Don Reilly

He is the co-founder of Siloam Wellness, established in 1996 to assist those impacted by HIV.

The details

The pantry, located at 850 N. 11th St, provides support without long wait times or extensive paperwork. Local donors, including Patrick J. Burns, have provided key food items like proteins and prepackaged salads to help meet the growing need.

Timeline

  1. Siloam Wellness was founded in 1996.

  2. The organization filled 6,649 pantry orders in 2025.

  3. Pantry staff fulfilled over 6,500 orders during the first six months of 2026.

  4. The annual gala fundraiser will take place on October 30, 2026.

Market Landscape

The strain on local non-profit food assistance programs reflects a broader trend of increased demand following the nationwide reduction in SNAP eligibility criteria and social service funding. This shift forces independent pantries to rely more heavily on local business partnerships to fill service gaps.

The rise in demand at the pantry reflects the ongoing challenges for Philadelphia residents relying on community services to manage chronic conditions. Supporters and attendees of the October 30 event are playing a critical role in maintaining food access for neighbors facing tighter budgets.

The takeaway

Reliable access to nutritious food is a critical component for managing long-term health and chronic conditions. Nonprofits like Siloam Wellness provide vital support for families when government-funded social services are reduced.

Further reading

For more on community-led efforts in the city, visit the Philadelphia Philanthropy section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Philadelphia Gay News.

Live Poll

Do you see more residents in your community struggling to afford basic groceries this year?