In Pennsylvania, a significant effort is underway to combat food insecurity as the Department of Agriculture announces grants exceeding $2 million for dozens of food banks, soup kitchens, and emergency food organizations across the state.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently unveiled this initiative, emphasizing its aim to address hunger and food insecurity while enhancing access to nutritious food for Pennsylvanians.
“Pennsylvania enjoys an incredible bounty of natural resources and generous communities willing to help feed those in need,” stated Redding, underlining the importance of bolstering community organizations to provide fresh, healthy food to families in need.
This allocation, constituting the second round of disbursements, follows a previous announcement of $1.6 million in assistance last fall.
The timing of this initiative is crucial, given the backdrop of persistent inflation. Grocery prices in Pennsylvania have surged higher than in any other state, particularly affecting rural areas and low-income ZIP codes.
Among the 57 grants being awarded, 30 are approximately $50,000 each. Notably, the Schuylkill Community Action (SCA) secured a $50,000 grant for a mobile food pantry targeting Latino and rural residents.
Dave Young, Executive Director of SCA, lauded the grant as “a game-changer for our community,” stressing its importance in overcoming transportation barriers and ensuring access to nutritious food for all residents of Schuylkill County.
These grants will span across 32 counties, including two regional grants covering Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties, as well as Luzerne and Wyoming counties, respectively.
While state funding plays a pivotal role, Pennsylvania also receives significant food aid from federal sources. In the summer of 2023, the federal government allocated $42 million to Pennsylvania to offset the rising prices of school meals.
The initiative comes amidst notable inflation trends. Inflation peaked in the Philadelphia area at 8.8 percent in June 2022 and remained at 4.1 percent in April 2024, marking the highest rate since April 2023.
