Give Back This MLK Day Through Philabundance’s Community Food Drive
January 12, 2026
Ensemble Arts Philly and Philabundance Partner for a Food Drive
Our organization is proud to partner with Philabundance on a community-wide food drive launching during our annual, free Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute Concert and continuing through Sunday, February 8, 2026.
As part of the City of Philadelphia’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, we are inviting our audiences, artists, and neighbors to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service by helping address food insecurity across the city's region.
Kicking Off on MLK Day at Marian Anderson Hall
The food drive will officially start on Monday, January 19, 2026, during the 36th annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute Concert in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra in partnership with Global Citizen’s Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the free concert begins at 3:00 PM and is led by conductor Thomas Wilkins. Tickets are free and available at philorch.org.
This special afternoon already brings our community together through music and reflection—and now, through action.
Following the MLK Day Concert and kickoff, the food drive will continue to accept canned goods and nonperishable food items via donation bins across Ensemble Arts Philly’s venues including the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and Forrest Theatre. This community-wide food drive is active through Super Bowl Sunday (February 8), aligning with the national Souper Bowl of Caring initiative.
How You Can Help
The easiest way to participate is to bring a non-perishable food item with you when attending a performance. Look for donation bins in our venue lobbies.
Philabundance identified the 10 most-needed items during this time of year:
1. Peanut Butter & Jelly
2. Cooking Oil
3. Canned Tuna or Meat
4. Canned Fruits & Vegetables
5. Canned Stews & Soups
6. Oatmeal or Breakfast Cereal
7. Whole Grain Pasta
8. 100% Juice
9. Rice
10. Boxed, shelf-stable (non-refrigerated) milk
Donation guidelines:
Items should be new or recently purchased, unopened, and in good condition. Please donate items in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles that do not require refrigeration. Philabundance prefers items that are low in sugar and sodium and free of high-fructose corn syrup. Please do not donate bread or baked goods with a short shelf life.
Thank you in advance for making a difference!