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.

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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.

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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.

  • March 13, 2026

    Geographic Access to Food Pantries Across the Northern Tier

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  • March 2, 2026

    The Ongoing Impact of Universal School Breakfast in Pennsylvania

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  • February 17, 2026

    SNAP Participation in Central Pennsylvania Over Time

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  • January 26, 2026

    2024 USDA Household Food Security Report Release

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