New Year, New Caring For Friends

January 12, 2022, Philadelphia, PA – Caring for Friends (CFF), an independent food bank and volunteer organization, distributed more than 12 million pounds of food in 2021; an increase of 3000% over pre-pandemic levels. With a spike in COVID forcing many people into isolation again, CFF is growing its team to meet the staggering need for food and friendship for the Philadelphia area’s most vulnerable populations – homebound seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, those facing homelessness, and hungry families and individuals. As 2022 begins, CFF welcomes Bradford Mills as its new Chief Operating Officer, and Stef Arck-Baynes as its Managing Director of Communications & Corporate Relations.

Brad comes to CFF from the commercial real estate sector, bringing with him proven business success, as well as 20 years of volunteer experience in nonprofit development and leadership for mission-driven organizations including: the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation; the Boy Scouts; and People for People, which brings transformative services to communities in North Central Philadelphia. Brad served with the Marine Corps in Operation Desert Storm and was named a “Veteran of Influence” by the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2018. In his new role as COO, he will run day-to-day operations and work with the CEO to strengthen infrastructure and expand capacity to serve more of those in need across our region.

Stef Arck-Baynes has more than 15 years of experience at mission-driven organizations developing and implementing solutions to fight hunger, provide financial equity, and increase access to social services. In her role, she will develop strategies to raise awareness of the 50-year-old nonprofit by bringing in more food, funds, and volunteers, through external communications, partnerships, and events. Stef was formerly with Philadelphia-based national nonprofit Benefits Data Trust and Philabundance.

With Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a week away, the newly formed leadership team seeks help on this crucial day of service — and beyond — to help meet the increased need for CFF’s services. Interested parties can sign up to help in the following ways:

1. Cooking meals at home
2. Delivering meals
3. Making caring cards
4. Donating food or funds

If you or someone you know needs food, please reach out for a referral at www.caringforfriends.org/contact-us.

To request an interview or more information, please contact Stef Arck Baynes at Stef@caringforfriends.org

About Caring for Friends

Founded in 1974 on the belief that no one should be hungry or alone in a world of caring people, Caring for Friends is a volunteer organization and independent food bank serving greater Philadelphia. CFF provides food and friendship to homebound seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities; delivers meals to people facing homelessness; and donates food to more than 250 unserved and underserved neighborhoods. In 2021, CFF rescued, sourced, and distributed more than 12 million pounds of food.  Volunteer to cook meals, pack snacks, make deliveries or visit with clients at caringforfriends.org.