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

    Dauphin County Community Hunger Mapping

    This Dauphin County hunger mapping report combines local data and neighbor perspectives to examine pantry experiences, housing instability, and opportunities to improve food access across the county.

    February 27, 2025

  • Community Hunger Mapping

    SUN Region Community Hunger Mapping

    This SUN region hunger mapping report explores food insecurity across Snyder, Union, and Northumberland counties, highlighting pantry access barriers and opportunities to strengthen support for neighbors.

    July 30, 2024

  • Community Hunger Mapping

    Lebanon County Community Hunger Mapping

    This Lebanon County hunger mapping report combines local data and neighbor perspectives to explore pantry experiences, nutrition assistance, and opportunities to improve access to nutritious food.

    January 11, 2024

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.

  • July 28, 2026

    2024 Map the Meal Gap Food insecurity Estimates for Central Pennsylvania

    Read Article

  • July 17, 2026

    SNAP Error Rates and Projected Cost Share for Pennsylvania

    Read Article

  • June 22, 2026

    Access to the Financial System among Central Pennsylvania Food Pantry Visitors

    Read Article

  • June 15, 2026

    Rural Non-Congregate SUN Meal Sites in Central Pennsylvania Over Time

    Read Article