Pennsylvania Day brings volunteers to Central PA Food Bank to help fight hunger

Hundreds of volunteers across Pennsylvania are giving back Monday as part of the sixth annual Pennsylvania Day initiative, with one of the largest local efforts taking place at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Dauphin County.

The event, organized by America250PA, celebrates Pennsylvania Day through community service under this year’s theme, “Pennsylvanians Helping Pennsylvanians.” Volunteer projects are happening statewide to support food banks and neighborhood beautification efforts in partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, The GIANT Company, Natural Food Group, EQT Corporation and PennDOT.

At the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Harrisburg warehouse, volunteers are scheduled to pack food boxes and prepare meals from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Similar efforts are taking place at food banks across the Commonwealth, including the York County Food Bank, where volunteers will also spend the morning helping fight food insecurity.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves 27 counties across central Pennsylvania and works with nearly 1,100 local agencies and programs to distribute food through its Healthy Food Hubs in Harrisburg, Williamsport and Hollidaysburg.

According to the organization, it helps provide food to nearly 268,000 people every month as one-in-eight central Pennsylvanians, including one in six children, are facing hunger every day. 

While Pennsylvania Day shines a spotlight on service, leaders say the mission to combat hunger extends far beyond a single day. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank relies on volunteers year-round to help sort, pack and distribute food to families across the region.

In addition to food bank projects, volunteers are participating in community cleanups, tree plantings, park improvements and other beautification efforts across Pennsylvania as part of the statewide day of service.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s volunteer shifts continue through the afternoon Monday but says there is always opportunities to help year-round. 

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and monetary donations, visit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s website.