Trending
HARRISBURG -- The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank that serves part of Mifflin County will receive $5.1 million in financial and in-kind contributions through Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program to help address growing food insecurity across the region.
The funding comes from businesses participating in the state program, which provides tax credits in exchange for contributions to qualifying community projects, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
The Harrisburg-based food bank distributes food to pantries across 27 counties, including Mifflin County. Its distribution hub on Scotch Valley Road in Hollidaysburg serves Blair, Clearfield, Centre and Bedford counties, as well as part of Mifflin County.
Food Bank CEO Shila Ulrich said the funding will help the organization address the widening gap between household incomes and the cost of basic necessities.
“We are at a time of elevated and sustained need,” Ulrich said.
Food insecurity has increased 44% over the past four years, according to Ulrich.
Changes in federal policy have reduced the number of people eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, by approximately 12%. Meanwhile, demand for the food bank’s services has increased 10% since January 2025.
Ulrich also pointed to rising grocery costs, which have increased 33% since 2019. She said approximately 40% of Americans are having difficulty affording basic necessities.
“A chilling number, for sure,” Ulrich said. “People are making choices between rent and food,” as well as medications.
The food bank operates a SNAP Helpline at (877) 999-5964 to assist residents seeking food assistance benefits.
Residents in need of food assistance can also visit www.centralpafoodbank.org and select the “Find Food” option to locate nearby food resources.
The organization’s budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, was approximately $130 million, according to Ulrich.
Statewide, the Neighborhood Assistance Program is providing approximately $71.5 million to support 443 projects, according to the Department of Community and Economic Development.