Impact & Policy Research

Understanding Hunger. Informing Solutions.

Food insecurity is more than a statistic. Through research, data, and community insights, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank works to better understand the challenges our neighbors face and identify opportunities to improve food access across our region.

Our Approach

Research That Drives Change

Understanding food insecurity requires looking beyond the numbers. Our Impact and Policy Research Team combines data, community perspectives, and policy analysis to better understand the barriers our neighbors face and identify opportunities to strengthen food access across central Pennsylvania.

Data & Research

We examine trends, identify gaps in food access, and study the conditions contributing to food insecurity throughout our service area.

Community Insights

By listening to neighbors and community partners, we connect research findings with the experiences of people facing food insecurity.

Policy Analysis

We explore how public policies and assistance programs influence food access, helping inform conversations about solutions that address hunger.

Explore our Research

Understanding Food Insecurity in Our Communities

Our research explores the factors shaping food insecurity across central Pennsylvania. From community hunger mapping to regional assessments, these reports provide insights into the challenges our neighbors face and the opportunities to improve access to nutritious food.

Featured Research – 2026

2026 Food Insecurity in Pennsylvania Report

Explore the latest available data on food insecurity across Pennsylvania, including county-level trends, child food insecurity, SNAP participation, and demand on the charitable food system.

Explore the Report →

Community Hunger Mapping

Our Community Hunger Mapping reports take a closer look at food insecurity within individual counties and regions. Combining local data with the experiences of neighbors and community partners, these studies examine barriers to food access and identify opportunities for community-level improvements.

  • Community Hunger Mapping

    Northern Tier Community Hunger Mapping

    This Northern Tier hunger mapping report explores the experiences, causes, and geographic patterns of food insecurity across six counties, combining community perspectives with data to identify opportunities for meaningful change.

    March 27, 2026

  • Community Hunger Mapping

    Adams County Community Hunger Mapping

    This Adams County hunger mapping report combines local data and neighbor perspectives to examine food insecurity, pantry hours and policies, and opportunities to expand access to food assistance.

    September 24, 2025

  • Community Hunger Mapping

    Franklin County Community Hunger Mapping

    This Franklin County hunger mapping report combines local data and neighbor perspectives to examine pantry access barriers, gaps in nutrition assistance, and opportunities to strengthen community support.

    June 16, 2025

View All Research & Reports →

Policy & Perspectives

Policy Insights & Analysis

Explore research-informed perspectives on policies and programs that influence food security across central Pennsylvania. Our Policy Blog examines emerging issues, shares relevant findings, and provides context for conversations about hunger and food access.

  • October 12, 2026

    Wait Times and Pantry Distribution Models in Centre County

    Read Article

  • September 14, 2026

    Income Sources and Ratio of Income to Poverty among Central Pennsylvania Food Pantry Visitors

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  • August 25, 2026

    Food Insecurity among Pennsylvania Students

    Read Article

  • August 10, 2026

    Educational Attainment among Central Pennsylvania Food Pantry Visitors

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