The Board of Commissioners on Tuesday proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month in Centre County, emphasizing a commitment to battling food insecurity throughout the community.
Hunger Action Month is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in the United States and inspire action.
Across the country, more than 44 million people face food insecurity, including 1.5 million Pennsylvanians, or one of every eight residents of the commonwealth, according to Feeding America. Locally, one in nine people in Centre County, including one in 10 children, are food insecure, meaning they are unable to acquire or are uncertain of having enough food.
The Central PA Food Bank, which serves a 27-county region, continues to see hunger grow across its service region, said government relations director Katie Kerr. That includes the State College Food Bank, which received 2.6 million of the 68.5 million pounds of food distributed by the Central PA Food Bank in fiscal year 2024.
“Many of our partners, like the State College Food Bank, are feeling that burden on their pantry operations,” Kerr said.
Heather Lee, business manager for the State College Food Bank, said over the past six months the food bank has seen an increase from serving about 250 to 300 households a month to serving 400 to 425.
“Even right here in Centre County, we are consistently seeing increases in residents that are unsure of where their next meal is coming from, and so we appreciate the recognition and helping to spread that awareness,” Lee said.
The State College Food Bank’s move earlier this year to a larger facility at 169 Gerald Street doubled its previous space on South Atherton Street, increasing capacity for clients and the food bank’s capabilities.
“Thankfully now that we are in our newer larger building we are poised to be able to respond to that increase in need,” Lee said.
The new food bank includes a 24-hour drop-off location for non-perishable items. Monetary donations can be made at scfoodbank.org, and anyone with questions can call 814-234-2310.
Commissioner Amber Concepcion stressed that the need is year-round at the State College Food Bank and eight other food pantries serving Centre County.
“[It’s] a good opportunity to remember the food banks and that you need help not just at the holidays, but year-round, and that people are depending on these food banks year-round and so we need to be thinking about it year-round,” Concepcion said.
Commissioner Steve Dershem said food banks and pantries play a vital role in the community.
“We really appreciate the fact that you folks are out there as that safety net because there’s a bunch of things we can do without, but particularly if you have children, food is not one of them,” Dershem said. “That’s not a luxury. That’s a necessity and we really appreciate all your efforts.”
Commissioner Mark Higgins encouraged Centre County residents “to be generous throughout the year” in supporting the State College Food Bank and other food pantries.
