Commissioners Recognize Hunger Action Month in Centre County, Where 1 in 8 Face Food Insecurity

Nearly 20,000 Centre County residents, including more than 3,500 children, face food insecurity, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank officials said Tuesday as county commissioners proclaimed September 2026 as Hunger Action Month. 

The unanimous proclamation comes as food insecurity continues to rise across Pennsylvania and the nation, while participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, has declined in Centre County. 

Zach Zook, chief strategy officer for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, said food insecurity affects 12.5% of Centre County’s population and 15.4% of its children. 

“We are, unfortunately, at a time where food insecurity is an increasing issue as a nation, and it’s something that we need to continue to work to address,” Zook said. 

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank distributed more than 60 million pounds of food across Pennsylvania during fiscal year 2026, including 2.1 million pounds in Centre County, according to Zook.

In Centre County, the food bank works with more than 20 pantry locations and more than 40 programs addressing food insecurity, while also providing direct distributions through its Fresh Express program. Zook said the need for food assistance has grown significantly in recent years. 

“Since 2021, in Pennsylvania alone, we’ve seen food insecurity increase by 44% and nationally, food insecurity has increased by 37% since 2021,” he said. “That means that food insecurity right now, in a non-recessionary time frame, is something that is an urgent issue.” 

At the same time, fewer Centre County residents are participating in SNAP. Zook said participation has declined 12.8% since December 2024.

“That means one in eight folks who receive SNAP back in December 2024 no longer are able to participate in that program,” he said. “That is slightly less than the overall drop in the rate of SNAP participation in Pennsylvania.” 

The food bank has worked with local pantry partners in recent months to connect eligible residents with SNAP benefits. Zook said staff have visited every food pantry in Centre County in the last six months as part of the outreach effort. 

“Centre County has dropped in participation by just 2.8% compared to 4.7% for the whole state. So that differential there shows the impact of community outreach,” Zook said.

Commissioner Mark Higgins said the number of children facing food insecurity in the county underscores the need for continued support from volunteers, farmers and community organizations. 

“It’s kind of surprising that in Centre County we have 15.4% of our children experiencing food insecurity,” Higgins said. “… But we do, of course, also want to thank the farmers for providing a lot of the fresh fresh food and the many volunteers…This is one of the things where you can personally make a difference for your neighbors.” 

Commissioner Amber Concepcion said food insecurity can create additional challenges for residents with medical conditions that require specific diets.

“One of the things that I’ve heard consistently from healthcare providers in the area is about this sort of interaction between food insecurity and health conditions that relate to diet,” Concepcion said. “For people who have diabetes or other kinds of conditions where what they’re eating is really a crucial piece of their healthcare, when they’re facing food insecurity, it’s an even greater concern.”

“We all need to be really thoughtful about ensuring that we’re donating to local food banks and reaching out to legislators on these issues to say that we’re concerned about food insecurity in our communities and the impact of these cuts.” 

The proclamation comes as the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank prepares to release the results of a yearlong Community Hunger Mapping project examining food insecurity and access to assistance throughout Centre County. 

The project included surveys of pantry users and listening sessions with food assistance organizations and other community partners. Zook said the findings will identify both strengths within the county’s charitable food network and areas where additional access is needed. 

One of the findings, he said, is the significant impact of the county’s existing network of food pantries and assistance programs. 

“We’re really excited to have found that the Centre County charitable food network reduces experiences of hunger by 48% among folks who visit the charitable food system, which is really just an incredible impact,” Zook said. 

The research also found strong geographic access to food pantries across Centre County and low reported rates of judgment among people seeking assistance. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they often or always receive foods they like, according to Zook. 

The study also identified opportunities to expand food access during evenings and weekends, particularly for working households that may struggle to visit pantries during traditional operating hours. 

The full Community Hunger Mapping report is scheduled for release Oct. 22 in Bellefonte. 

Food insecurity also affects Penn State students, according to Allayn Beck, executive director of the State College Food Bank, who said there is a growing need for assistance among a wide range of students from different backgrounds.

“There is a pretty big need, food insecurity on campus,” Beck said. “Penn State does have a pantry, the Lion’s Pantry, on campus. But we are seeing in our pantry an increased need of graduate students that … have families, or they’re here with a traveling spouse, or they’re here from just different areas, and they just need some extra support.” 

With September now designated as Hunger Action Month, county officials and food bank representatives encourage residents to support local hunger relief efforts through donations, volunteering and community outreach. 

Those interested in supporting hunger relief efforts can donate to or volunteer with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and other local food assistance organizations.

Residents seeking information about food assistance programs can contact the Centre County Office of Adult Services at 814-355-6768 or visit the county’s food assistance resources.