Small Things 2025 Mid-Year Report

2025 MID-YEAR REPORT smallthingsphilly.org

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Last year, Small Things launched the unHungry project, our three-year plan to address poverty and food insecurity in the region. This is our initiative to have the greatest impact on people’s lives.

So far this year, the communities we serve have faced significant uncertainty, which has disrupted their lives. We are seeing an increase in the number of people who shop at our direct-service markets. Our pantry partners tell us the same thing. The vital services we provide through food, services, and support are needed now, more than ever.

Small Things was built on uncertainty. We launched in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic. We got pretty good at figuring out what we could do to help. Now, five years later, we see ourselves again serving as a stable presence in this time of uncertainty.

Small Things Executive Director Vito Baldini and board members Michel Faulkner and Mark Novales meet with State Rep. Jose Giral (second from left).

We need your help to do this by considering becoming a monthly donor or making a mid– year gift. We have some big plans to make a lasting impact. I’ll share more details soon.

This is what we do: We show up. We are committed to the people we serve. We have stretched our resources so that we can provide for the needs we see every day.

For now, I am asking you to help us be a faithful presence to our neighbors in need. Help us live out the words of Mother Teresa by “doing small things with great love.”

Here at Small Things, every dollar we receive turns into $6 of food.

As always, thank you for all your support!

I would like to take this mid-year update opportunity to ask you to trust us once again to figure this out, as we look to provide for the needs of thousands of people.

Rev. Vito Baldini Executive Director, Small Things

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Small Things is powered by donated food and money. Through June, we have served highneed households by sending them home with $3,160,000 worth of food, made possible by your donations of $502,587. We are slightly behind our 6-month budget of $542,000; staff changes and one-time incidents have resulted in YTD expenses running $22,000 higher than planned.

While we anticipate a strong Q4, we have an operating gap of $65,000 at the halfway point.

If you are in a position to supplement or accelerate your year-end support to close this gap, we would deeply appreciate it.

MAJOR DONORS McLean Contributionship; W. W. Smith Charitable Trust; Leo & Peggy Pierce Family Foundation; Commonwealth of PA - Dept of Environmental Protection; TOSA Foundation; Univest Financial Corp; Penn Community Bank; Bank of America

MEET OUR NEW PROGRAM MANAGER “What drew me most to this role was the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in some of Philadelphia’s most underserved communities,” she said. “Small Things’ mission — to fight food insecurity with dignity and consistency — is exactly the kind of work I want to be part of.”

Yassmin’s international background has prepared her well for the challenges ahead.

“Working with displaced and vulnerable populations has taught me the importance of listening, building trust, and designing programs that meet both immediate and long-term needs. That experience translates directly to communities here in Philly.”

We’re thrilled to welcome Yassmin Moor to the Small Things team as our new Program Manager. With over 15 years of experience leading humanitarian programs for CARE, the International Rescue Committee, UNHCR, and the World Food Program, Yassmin brings a global lens and deep compassion to her new role in Philadelphia.

Now based in Philadelphia, Yassmin oversees Small Things’ programs, including our three fullchoice markets in Fairhill, Hunting Park, and Center City. She also leads the expansion of our More Than Food Program, which connects neighbors to workforce training, social services, and a pathway toward long-term stability.

Executive Director Vito Baldini agrees.

“Yassmin’s experience, compassion, and empathy are exactly what we need as we scale our programs. She’s a perfect fit for this next chapter at Small Things.”

As for Yassmin, she’s eager to get started: “I’m most excited to connect with our neighbors and help shape programs that not only address hunger but also create real, lasting change. It’s an honor to be part of a team so deeply rooted in community.”

Read her full story here: tinyurl.com/st-yassmin

SMALL THINGS ADD UP! This spring, we launched our Small Things Add Up campaign to grow our base of monthly donors — and we’re already seeing the impact. In a time when public aid is shrinking and need is rising, consistent support from our community ensures we can keep our shelves stocked, our doors open, and our neighbors nourished.

Even a small monthly gift helps us plan ahead, respond to urgent needs, and provide more than just food — we offer dignity, choice, and a pathway forward.

If you haven’t yet joined as a monthly donor, now is a great time. A few dollars a month can help keep families fed, kids supported, and communities strong.

Because when it comes to fighting hunger — Small Things Add Up.

Join t move he ment !

2025 BY THE NUMBERS | JANUARY - JUNE

1,723 volunteers who help across our five different programs who make it all happen!

1.87 million lbs of food

825

10,500+ people fed

Small Things worked with our 50+ partners across Philadelphia to deliver over 1,870,000 pounds of food to our neighbors in need! That’s over 71,900 pounds a week!

Small Things organized 707 food pickups and 118 deliveries to our partners who then distribute the food to those who need it most!

15,500 snack kits

6 6 trainees completed their forklift certification and 1,000+ internship hours have been completed.

Over 15,500 kids snack bags have been packed and distributed along with nutrition education to kids in low-income areas.

3,280 MEALS SERVED Small Things has prepared and served 3,280 hot meals for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

Small Things, Inc PO BOX 41156 Philadelphia, PA 19127

1,700+ volunteers

Over 5,300 shopping trips that fed 10,784 people at our three markets in Center City, Fairhill, and Hunting Park (House of Hope).