Pielli’s statement on possible closure of St. Agnes Day Room

Rep. Chris Pielli    February 12, 2025 | 1:07 PM

WEST CHESTER, Feb. 12 - State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, has issued the following statement on the possible closure of the St. Agnes Day Room.

“As a past Homeless Veterans Program Director, I learned and greatly appreciate that the St. Agnes Day Room has been faithfully serving and feeding the hungry for over 32 years, offering refuge and support to many who have nowhere else to turn,” Pielli said.  

“Their dedicated volunteers have worked strenuously to help alleviate the dangerous rise of food insecurity in our community and help folks not only survive but succeed. That is all the more reason why I urge and support a quick resolution to this problem that will allow them to continue their crucial mission to help our neighbors in times of need. After looking into this issue, I have been advised that counties which do not have their own health departments must follow food safety regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. (Please see Chapter 57. - Title 3 - AGRICULTURE)

“However, counties which do have their own health departments, like Chester County, are given the authority to enforce or exempt food safety regulations. Therefore, even though the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture allows a license exemption for this type of non-profit service in their (PDA) regulations, the PDA in this case, cannot override the County decisions, nor can they provide a license exemption.

“This is why I strongly urged the County to consider providing such an exemption and partner with St. Agnes to find a workable long-term solution for any remaining concerns. Since that time, I have met with both the St. Agnes Day Room staff and County officials several times in hopes of coming to a resolution acceptable to both parties. I remain hopeful that they will continue working together to enable the Day Room to continue serving and helping those less fortunate in our community.”