Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Cheryl Cook visited Downtown Daily Bread in Harrisburg to highlight the importance of food assistance programs and the charitable food network. September is Hunger Action Month, which aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of food insecurity and encourage people to help in any way they can.
“Having enough to eat and having access to nutritious food is vital to a person’s physical and mental health, including their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Every Pennsylvanian deserves the dignity and peace of mind of knowing where their next meal is coming from,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “I encourage those who need help paying for food to apply for nutrition assistance, and for those who are able, to donate your money and your time to local food banks, pantries, and community kitchens. Our communities are only as strong as our neighbors who are struggling, so we all must work together to make sure everyone has what they need to live well, pursue their goals, and thrive.”
“Healthy food and resources to produce it are abundant in Pennsylvania,” said Deputy Secretary Cook. “But that wealth of food resources is not accessible to many low-income families, seniors, and others who are at risk of hunger. It takes public investment and partnerships with charitable organizations and producers to get nutritious, healthy food to those who need it.”
DHS administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps people buy nutritious food from a variety of vendors, such as grocery stores, farmers markets, online outlets, and more. Nearly two million Pennsylvanians receive SNAP benefits each month. The Department of Agriculture’s food assistance programs partner with Feeding Pennsylvania, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, and their charitable food distribution networks in all 67 counties across the state, increasing the availability of fresh, healthy foods to places like Downtown Daily Bread.
Source: pennwatch.org
Photo Credit: Hunger Action Month
Categories: Pennsylvania, General