Several years ago, Karen a new Rotarian, was introduced to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank through a presentation for the club. The presentation on food insecurity in our own communities touched her.

“It grabbed at my heart to think about people who aren’t food secure…people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”

She recalled the days when her husband and her took a risk and started their own business with three toddlers to feed. They were pinching pennies. When the COVID virus hit, there was a lot of things that suddenly changed for a lot of people that weighed on her mind and heart.

“Many school aged children who had been receiving food at school were now not being fed. Families were struggling because of the loss of income from jobs that were put on hold or terminated. Food programs for Seniors stopped because of the fears and risks of transporting the virus. When the Food Bank asked for volunteers to come pack boxes, which would then be distributed to schools, senior centers, food pantries, and other partner agencies to be given to those in need,  I excitedly signed up! Here was my chance to actually DO something!”

Karen along with a whole team from the Rotary Club have been dedicated volunteers, showing up monthly to pack meal boxes that go to our partners for distributions throughout our 27 county service area.

“Sometime the line gets backed up, and when it does I take the chance to think about the person who will be opening the box. I say a prayer for that person, that they will know that the box was packed with love. I hope that they will feel the blessing when they open it, that the food will ease hunger but also ease anxiety, depression and fears. It’s hard not knowing where your next meal is coming from, the Food bank is helping relieve the tensions that come from poverty.”

In addition to the Rotary Clubs monthly volunteering, they have donated $4,000 – which will help provide 24,000 meals.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us in the fight to end hunger. We are better together.  Sign up to volunteer today. CLICK HERE TO GIVE YOUR TIME!

Other Ways to Volunteer Virtually.

1. *Most Encouraged*: 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. Start one today!

2. 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. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter 

3. Fight for the programs that help end hunger
Our neighbors need more support than what we can provide on our own. 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. Sign up today!

Other Ways to Give Back

  • Join our Apple Core Community, our monthly giving program. Your monthly gift allows us to plan more effectively because we know, day in and day out, we can rely on your support. Donate today.
  • Become an Apple Seed Legacy Society member, a special group of friends who have made a commitment to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank through a gift in their will or estate plans. These members want their generous efforts to continue for many years to come. Find out more.
  • Support our cause while you shop. Find out what companies are hosting a giving event where you can give back simply by buying a product, like Amazon Smile. View Upcoming Event.
  • Workplace giving programs offer employees the opportunity to contribute by having designated amounts deducted from their paychecks.  Many companies also offer a matching gift. Talk to your HR Department.