Officials address food insecurity

LEWISTOWN -- The Mifflin County Commissioners officially proclaimed September as "Hunger Action Month" during the board's meeting on Thursday.

This initiative aims to bring attention to the pressing issue of food insecurity affecting 11.5% of the county's residents.

"We are committed to taking steps to combat hunger in every part of our community and provide additional resources to those in need," the proclamation stated.

The effort not only addresses immediate needs but also educates the community about the role and importance of food banks and pantries.

Maria D'Isabella, Senior Agency Services Manager for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you so much. Thank you, Commissioner (Kevin) Kodish, Commissioner (Mark) Sunderland, and Commissioner (Rob) Postal. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank truly appreciates the honor and the recognition of receiving this proclamation today," she said. "The demand for food assistance has skyrocketed by 50% since March, and food insecurity is near the same high level as it was at the onset of the pandemic."

As part of this commitment, the county is partnering with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and its affiliated agencies. Last year, the food bank distributed a staggering 650,000 pounds of food in Mifflin County through a network that includes food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community organizations.

September has been designated as the month to focus the public's attention on food insecurity and to encourage them to act. The proclamation calls for various activities that people can engage in, such as volunteer shifts at food banks, social media shares to raise awareness and financial donations.

"Nobody should have to make an impossible choice between food and other basic necessities like medicine, utilities, or childcare," the proclamation reads.

Robin White of Mifflin/Juniata Services added, "I'm very proud of our community and the food pantries. They do a wonderful job of combating food insecurity in our area."

Food banks nationwide, including the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, will host a series of events throughout September. These events aim to bring awareness and tangible help to end hunger in local communities.

The Mifflin County Commissioners concluded the proclamation by calling the observance to the attention of their citizens. They urged the community to participate actively in Hunger Action Month activities to make a significant impact on the lives of those struggling with food insecurity.

In other news, the Commissioners:

Approved Cooperation Agreement for bridge replacement and rehabilitation with Decatur Township for the T-391 Bridge on Ertley Road;

Approved Resolution No. 29 of 2023 appointing James Lettiere as a voting member of the SEDA-COG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)-term ending December 31, 2026;

-Approved Amendment to Lease with Greater Lewistown Corporation for the Agriculture Extension Office for the period Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024 – $3,483 per month;

-Approved the COVID-19 Mitigation in Local and County Confinement Facilities Grant;

-Approved a three-year agreement with Telesystem for the county phone system – $4,778.67 per month;

-Approved 2023 Certification Form for the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust;

-Approved a Subrecipient Agreement with the Mifflin County Solid Waste Authority for a $500,000 loan for access road improvements serving the Mifflin County Solid Waste Authority properties;

-Approved the Children and Youth Custodial Parent Services Agreement with Dusharm Law; Newport, to provide court-appointed counsel for custodial parents in child welfare cases for the period Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, for the sum of $2,500 per month;

-Approved the Fiscal Year 2022 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Consent Agreement;

-Approved the promotion of Dwayne Kurtz from Corporal to Lieutenant at the Prison, effective Sept. 3.