During the festive Thanksgiving meal, it is crucial to consider the issue of hunger. It's not the hunger that stems from a growling stomach waiting for the turkey to be served. Instead, it's the real crisis of food insecurity that countless families in Greater Williamsport face on a regular basis. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is currently experiencing an all-time high demand for its services due to persistent inflation. This has led to a significant increase in hunger and a surge in activity at food pantries and agencies, which is not seen even during the great recession in 2008 - 2009 or the pandemic that began in 2020. Their mission remains steadfast - to end food insecurity for people in 27 counties in central and north central Pennsylvania.

Glum Reality Check

Joe Arthur, the executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Harrisburg and Williamsport, stated, "We are witnessing high numbers for demand and the level of service that we haven't seen during the great recession and the pandemic. We are extremely busy, especially during the holidays." Each year, the cost of preparing a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, depending on family size, keeps rising from an initial range of $50 and above. However, thanks to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, there is hope for those in need of these meals and for receiving daily sustenance throughout the year. Arthur emphasized the enormity of the task, stating, "We are consistently serving over 250,000 people each month. This has reached a level that we didn't achieve during the pandemic or the recession in 2009." The food bank achieves this with the help of a dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous donations. The most significant way to get food to the hungry is through networking with about 1,100 local agencies and programs that serve those in need. It's not always the destitute or homeless who receive assistance.For example, in the city of Williamsport, one of the largest partners in distributing food is the American Rescue Workers on Elmira Street. In 2022, this facility distributed food to 700 families as the nation was emerging from the worst of the pandemic years. In 2023, they served 1,000 families, and this year, they are expecting to serve 1,200 families. This is a similar trend that the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has been observing across its 27 - county service territory. The food bank provides fresh, non - perishable, and nutritious food as well as dairy products, sourcing its products from local farms and orchards.

How to Get Help

Arthur stressed the importance of knowing how people can actually get help. He said, "We direct people to our website - centralpafoodbank.org. The website is constantly updated and provides real - time data to link those in need with helpers and staff. One of the most valuable features on the website is a tab on the right called 'Find Help.' By clicking on it, users can simply enter a zip code, and it will pop up the closest location for food distribution, along with the address, telephone number, hours, and dates. This information is regularly reviewed and updated by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank team. The site also offers a Helpline for immediate assistance and programs such as SNAP for families with children. 'Our team will handle the applications for those applying for SNAP,' which is a federal government program administered through the state. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank website also has a location where people can make donations.This time of year is crucial for those who care and have the ability to give. There is an escalating hunger crisis that doesn't end with the holidays. The hunger crisis continues into winter and the heating fuel season. As we speak, the American Rescue Workers staff and volunteers are preparing to feed hundreds of people with a nutritious turkey dinner and all the sides at their facility on Elmira Street. It's a drive - through or walk - up service. The traditional day of giving continues right before Christmas on December 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the ARW holds its annual Holiday Food Distribution at the drive - up location on Bridge Street. Then, there is a community Christmas dinner on December 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the facility on Elmira Street.