Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is expanding its Summer Child Feeding Initiative this year, ensuring that hundreds more children have access to nutritious food while school is out of session.
The organization announced it will reach an additional 300 children each week through the expanded program, which is designed to help families bridge the gap left when school breakfast and lunch programs are unavailable during the summer months.
According to Second Harvest, one in five children in northwest Pennsylvania experiences food insecurity. Through partnerships with schools, food pantries, meal programs, and community organizations, the food bank works to provide children and families with reliable access to healthy food throughout the summer.
The Summer Child Feeding Initiative includes keeping School Pantries open during the summer and distributing Summer BackPacks filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food items.
This year, the program is growing through new partnerships with several community organizations, including the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry in McKean County, Kearsarge Area Food Pantry in Erie County, Salvation Army Corry and Salvation Army Erie in Erie County, and Salvation Army Warren in Warren County.
Second Harvest officials say the expanded partnerships will strengthen the region’s support network and help ensure children continue to receive the nourishment they need throughout the summer.
“Summer is a time of opportunity and fun! Together with our partners, we’re ensuring children have the fuel they need to stay active, engaged, and ready to learn,” said Gregory D. Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.
The organization said it remains committed to helping children thrive year-round by providing access to nutritious food regardless of the season.
Community members interested in supporting the Summer Child Feeding Initiative can make donations through Second Harvest’s website. Individuals and families in need of food assistance are encouraged to contact the Food Helpline at (814) 459-3663 ext. 117 for information about available resources.