Volunteers helped serve 50 million meals with Central PA Food Bank
This past year has been a year that has put food banks in the spotlight. But the true light shines on the many dedicated volunteers who have continued to lend a helping hand to make sure our neighbors had access to food during this time and beyond. As a non-profit organization, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, with locations in Williamsport and Harrisburg, relies on volunteers to fulfill their vision that no one should be hungry.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank launched a significant crisis response when the pandemic hit to meet the increased demand; a demand greater than 40% more than the year prior. Last year, more than 7,700 volunteers (at the Food Bank as well as on the local level throughout their 27-county service area) donated 91,000 hours of their time to help their neighbors in need.
“Safety protocols for volunteers posed challenges to our mission as more food was needed to go out and the increased need will continue for many months, possibly two more years, as the economy recovers,” said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Food Bank.
To adhere to CDC guidelines, packing operations were moved to the Farm Complex in Harrisburg to allow for social distancing and safety. Strict safety protocols, such as wearing mask and gloves as well as many sanitization stations, were also followed to protect the volunteers as well as the food supply.
“Moving our volunteer operations was critical to push forward and get the job done. Early in the pandemic we would have 6 to 7 packing lines at one time. We have been able to relax that a bit but moving to a larger facility was a mission saving arrangement,” added Arthur.
Several years ago, Karen Good, a new Rotarian in Harrisburg, was introduced to the Food Bank through a presentation for the club. “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.”
When COVID hit, a lot of things that suddenly changed for a lot of people weighed on her mind. “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, I excitedly signed up! Here was my chance to actually DO something!”
To volunteer in the Harrisburg area, please sign up today online!
While volunteering in person may not be an option for everyone at this time, becoming a virtual volunteer 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.
With a strong front to combat hunger, the Food Bank and its more than 1,000 partner agencies and programs provided over 50 million meals this past year. But community support is what gets the job done – volunteering, donating and raising awareness all contribute to addressing food insecurity across Pennsylvania. Without the generosity of central Pennsylvanians, the Food Bank would not be able to keep up with the need in our community.
“Together we can leverage our mutual strengths to have a greater impact to help our neighbors until the day we can declare that our mission of fighting hunger, improving lives, and strengthening communities is complete,” Arthur noted.