Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania announces the official opening of the Second Harvest Marketplace, a welcoming market resembling a grocery store that allows neighbors to shop for free groceries, providing choice and dignity. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center, located at 803 East Avenue.
The Marketplace was created to strengthen access to nutritious food in the city of Erie by providing a neighbor-centered, shopping-like experience and expanding access to essential resources in the community. Neighbors visiting the Marketplace are greeted by Second Harvest volunteers and staff who guide them through the Marketplace while empowering individuals and families to make their own selections. Available choices include fresh produce, frozen meat, dairy, eggs, pantry staples, prepared meals, and household essentials.
“The Marketplace is more than just distributing food,” said Gregory D. Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania. “It’s about creating a welcoming, dignified experience where our neighbors feel supported and valued. We’re honored to meet families where they are and walk alongside them with resources, food, and support.”
The Second Harvest Marketplace is part of the Healthy Pantry Initiative, a program of Feeding Pennsylvania, designed to increase access to nutritious food while providing education and support around healthy choices. Through this program, the Marketplace will support neighbors in learning delicious ways to prepare nutritious meals, while offering nutrition education. The Marketplace will host Lunch & Learns, cooking demonstrations, and recipe tastings highlighting healthy items commonly found in the pantry.
Located within the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center, the Marketplace also provides convenient access to additional community resources, information, and support services, helping connect individuals to broader assistance when needed.
“We’re proud to welcome the Second Harvest Marketplace to the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center,” said Brendan J. Harris, President of UPMC for You & State Programs, UPMC Health Plan. “Through this partnership with Second Harvest, we’re strengthening communities and promoting healthier lives.”
The Second Harvest Marketplace was made possible thanks to the Emerging Erie Fund of the Erie Community Foundation, Feeding America, the John Cockerill Foundation, and UPMC Health Plan.
“Supporting the Second Harvest Marketplace means investing in the health and strength of our community,” said Katie Golembeski, Chair of the Emerging Erie Fund of the Erie Community Foundation. “The Marketplace is a powerful example of what collaboration can achieve.”