By Blake Jackson
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania has received $753,000 in funding through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to support food distribution efforts across an 11-county region. The announcement was made by Rick Vilello, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development.
This funding will allow the food bank to distribute 12.5 million pounds of food free of charge to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Food will be distributed through food pantries, mobile services, and programs for children in need. With one in every seven people in northwest Pennsylvania facing hunger, this aid comes at a critical time.
“Doubling the Neighborhood Assistance Program, which allowed a second round of awards to key organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank, will have an incredible impact on the well-being of individuals, children, and families in northwest Pennsylvania and all across our Commonwealth,” said Deputy Secretary Vilello.
“At Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, we are committed to ensuring that no one in our 11-county service area goes hungry. We are currently experiencing a significant increase in the number of households seeking assistance accessing enough nutritious food, and the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is a vital partner and essential resource for the food bank,” said Greg Hall, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.
“NAP has enabled Second Harvest and our partner organizations to directly provide nutritious meals to our neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity. We are grateful for the dedicated support of our generous corporate donors and the support from our state legislators for this fundamental program. The partnerships Second Harvest has formed through the Neighborhood Assistance Program strengthen our communities and ensure that hope remains on the table for our neighbors in need throughout our service area. Together we have made a meaningful difference for tens of thousands of individuals and families in northwest Pennsylvania,” said Greg Hall.
The Neighborhood Assistance Program works by offering tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit groups. These partnerships not only help fight food insecurity but also strengthen communities and create lasting support systems for people in need.
Through the combined efforts of the food bank, the government, and generous businesses, thousands of families across northwest Pennsylvania will continue to receive the support they need during difficult times.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business