The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. The Commission is made up of current and past Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state.

America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation. Together, we hope that as Pennsylvanians, we can better understand the origins and multiple perspectives of issues facing our Commonwealth and nation today. The Commission’s ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. theme of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth.

As part of that mission, America250PA will officially add National Pennsylvania Day to its annual calendar. To celebrate we will be designating JULY 20TH as our volunteer/give back component of the A250PA initiative. We hope to grow this volunteer effort each year leading up to and including 2026. America250PA recognizes the impact volunteerism has on our communities and we are committed to encourage every resident to participate in “Pennsylvanians helping Pennsylvanians”

“America250PA is a historic initiative that celebrates our Commonwealth’s vibrant past and brings together our communities and leaders to make an even brighter future. Volunteerism, neighbors helping neighbors, Pennsylvanians helping Pennsylvanians is exactly how our Commonwealth and our communities have thrived, “ said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “We hope that Pennsylvania Day will inspire involvement from residents of all ages to lend a helping hand when they have it. This year, what better organization to support than Feeding Pennsylvania, an organization that has been instrumental this last year to ensure millions of Pennsylvanians have access to food during the pandemic. It is only fitting that we now answer their call for assistance in keeping those boxes stocked for our neighbors still in need.”

This year our partner organization is FEEDING PA. Feeding Pennsylvania is the statewide association of nine Feeding America affiliated food banks. Their nine member food banks span across all 67 counties and serve nearly 2 million people annually by distributing more than 164 million pounds of food to their 3,000 partner agencies and feeding programs. Feeding Pennsylvania offers a forum for their food banks to work collaboratively through the sharing of best practices and resources, state and federal advocacy efforts, food and fundraising, programing, disaster response – all while providing a united voice around issues of hunger and food insecurity.

“Feeding Pennsylvania is thrilled to be a part of the first annual National Pennsylvania Day in partnership with America250 PA,” said Jane Clements, Chief Executive Officer of Feeding Pennsylvania. “This past year was unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. As a result of the covid-19 pandemic, millions of Pennsylvanians faced hunger for the first time – many who have never needed food assistance before. The initiative of America250 PA will help highlight the continued generosity of those in our community who have supported us through these unprecedented times. We are so thankful for this partnership as we continue to work toward ensuring that every family in Pennsylvania has access to healthy, nutritious food.”

“The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is also proud to take part in National Pennsylvania Day,” said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Over the past year, thousands of central Pennsylvanians have stepped up in remarkable ways to help their neighbors who are still working hard to get back on their feet in the wake of the pandemic. At our Food Bank alone, volunteers have donated more than 91,000 hours of their time to pack hundreds of thousands of boxes full of healthy, nutritious meals for those in need. Countless others have made generous donations in support of our life-sustaining mission. We truly are, ‘Proudly Pennsylvanian.’”

America250PA’s goal is a lofty one, to enlist a minimum of 250 Pennsylvanians each year to volunteer across the Commonwealth and build National Pennsylvania Day into the largest volunteer effort in the nation. Please #JOINUS as we continue to make history!

 

While volunteering in person may not be an option for everyone at this time, becoming a virtual volunteer with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is a great way for anyone to give their time and talent where the Food Bank needs it the most. All you’ll need is an internet connection and your passion.

  • Start a virtual food drive or online fundraiser
    Consider, “volunteering” to start a virtual food drive. A virtual food drive allows you to help many more of your neighbors in need by raising funds for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The Food Bank can purchase food in bulk quantities at less-than-wholesale prices including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and center-of-the-plate proteins which can’t be donated in a traditional food drive.  The $1 that you might spend on one can of green beans can provide 6 full meals through a virtual food drive. It is a simple and immediate way to help end hunger in central Pennsylvania.
  • Get on social
    You can help spread the word about food assistance in your area or ways your family and friends can give back to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank simply by following us and sharing our posts.  www.facebook.com/CentralPAFoodBank; @centralpafb on Twitter & Instagram; www.linkedin.com/company/central-pennsylvania-food-bank
  • Fight for the programs that help end hunger
    Our neighbors need more support than what we can provide on our own. Take action and help us build a powerful movement. Together, government, employers, communities, neighbors, and others can address the root causes of food insecurity to ensure that every family has access to adequate food and nutrition by becoming a digital advocate.
  • Shop for a Cause
    Find out what companies are hosting a giving event where you can give back simply by buying a product, like Amazon Smile.