Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has been in operation for more than 30 years. Interestingly, the Food Bank started as a one-day demonstration project on World Food Day in 1981. That event was apparently the impetus to begin the massive and existing operation now based in Harrisburg, PA and they began permanent operation on October 16, 1982.
The Food Bank’s rather humble beginnings were in a converted movie theater in Steelton. In 1991, the Food Bank a capital campaign raised $1.5 million allowing the construction of a brand new warehouse. In 1994, the Food Bank relocated to its current facility in Harrisburg. In 2002, a second warehouse was added in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to the north. To meet its growth, the Harrisburg warehouse added a second expansion of 28,000 square feet into their existing warehouse in Harrisburg, PA.
Image from PennLive
From those humble beginnings, CPFB has grown and now serves 27 hours in Central Pennsylvania from the very north border of Pennsylvania with the State of New York to our south border with Maryland.
The Food Bank distributes to more than 800 partner agencies in their region. Their operations include soliciting donations of funds and food, inventory and then distribution of that food to those agencies. Partner agencies include food banks, soup kitchens, shelters, etc. Each year, CPFB distributes 32 million pounds of food and grocery products–the equivalent of 27 million meals!
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Harrisburg
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank typically serves 135,000 families across the central PA region, and now that number is up to almost 200,000 families! Join AAA Cares to sort donated food supplies that will be transported throughout the entire central PA region. Please sign up to join us as we help those in need:
- Friday, May 13, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
- Friday, August 12, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
- Friday, October 21, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
With safe and efficient protocols, the Central PA Food Bank continues to increase their distribution of food to everyone who needs it. Learn more about new COVID-19 Volunteer Safety protocols at Central PA Food Bank.
Central Pa Food Bank Order Online
No One Should Be Hungry
Fighting hunger, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
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Physical Address
Legal name of organization: Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
EIN for payable organization: 23-2202250
South Central Pa Food Bank
Public, Society Benefit Multipurpose and Other N.E.C.
Community Improvement, Capacity Building N.E.C.
Public, Society Benefit Multipurpose and Other N.E.C.
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Sign in or create an account to view Form 990 for 2020, 2019 and 2018.
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Epic Campaign Helps Central Pa Food Bank Prep For Thanksgiving
A volunteer helps distribute food for the Central PA Food Bank.
All records were shattered by the Central Pennsylvania Food Banks recent donation campaign.
The generosity has been epic, said Joe Arthur, the food banks executive director.
This was the best virtual food drive everits the most weve ever raised by far, Arthur said. One of side benefits of the pandemic is people are more virtually oriented than ever.
This was the organizations fourth annual campaign, and it netted three times the amount of donations realized in past years. Contributions typically total between $20,000 and $25,000.
Arthur calls the fundraising efforts efficient, because monetary donations allow the food bank to purchase specific food items needed within its 27-county service area. The food bank distributes boxes of fresh produce as well as kitchen staples such as pasta and canned goods to central Pennsylvanians via more than 1,000 partnerssoup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other programs. In Harrisburg, that includes the Bethesda Mission, Downtown Daily Bread and The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region.
Conditions triggered by the worldwide pandemic, including record unemployment, have strained the food bank since March. Demand has increased nearly 50%. In September, the food bank served about 200,000 people as compared to 135,000 people in September 2019.
Lynch said the program serves about 1,000 families per week on average.
Fulton Bank Donates $10000 To Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Lancaster, PA Fulton Bank, a subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation , today announced a donation of $10,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is a nonprofit organization committed to ending hunger in 27 counties across Central PA. By working with more than 1,100 local agencies and programs, they serve nearly 145,000 people in need each month through two Healthy Food Hubs in Harrisburg and Williamsport.
Founded in 1982, the Food Bank has served more than 47 million meals in their 27-county footprint and continues to collaborate with more than 1,100 partner agencies and programs including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency food providers, and more.
Were pleased to volunteer with and support the Food Bank because its helping those most in need in our community, said Bryan Jones, Commercial Team Leader with Fulton Bank. Tackling food insecurity across central Pennsylvania is a year-round job, said Joe Arthur, Executive Director of the Food Bank. This gift will help us provide thousands of pounds of fresh, nutritious food to families in need throughout central PA who are still making hard decisions between buying groceries or paying for other critical expenses in the wake of rising costs and record inflation. Thanks to the support of organizations like Fulton Bank, we are truly working toward ending hunger together.
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Sheetz Gives Sizable Donation To Central Pa Food Bank
Posted: Jul 20, 2020 / 01:55 PM EDT
Posted: Jul 20, 2020 / 01:55 PM EDT
HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN COUNTY Good news for a food bank Eyewitness News has been working with during our Feeding NEPA campaign, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank received a $125,000 donation from Sheetz For the Kidz, a charitable organization run by Sheetz.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is one of 27 food banks to receive funding from Sheetz For the Kidz. This monetary grant will allow the food bank to continue to provide meals to children in need.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves more than 2.5 million meals to children annually. The food bank says their services have increased by 40 percent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you would like to participate in the Feeding NEPA campaign, to donate.
Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Holidays And Food Donations To The Central Pa Food Bank
Posted: Dec 14, 2021 / 11:59 AM EST
Posted: Dec 14, 2021 / 11:59 AM EST
Now is a time many are in need of a comforting holiday meal, but many in our community do not know where that meal will come from. Joe Arthur with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bankshares how you can give back to their mission through monetary or food donations or by volunteering your time at the food bank.
Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Make The Greatest Impact
1 in 10 of our neighbors in central Pennsylvania struggle to put food on their tables. The pandemic has made hunger even worse. Together we can do something about it. AAA Cares launched a Virtual Food Drive to support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and their mission of fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening communities. 100% of your donation will go to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
More than ever, donations are vital to ensure that as more people need food assistance during this crisis, the charitable food system will be able to rise to the need. As of now, it is estimated the Food Banks COVID-19 effort will cost at least $100,000 per week to maintain and more than $1 million until the economic impact is over due to increased costs with crisis response food and packing supplies, trucking and other crisis operational costs.
Where to Go for Help: Individuals in need of help are encouraged to call 211 . 211 is a non-emergency line that connects individuals directly to programs and services based on areas of need. Individuals can also access 211 online at .
Safety Protocols For Volunteers
- We moved our packing operation in Harrisburg. All packing is now taking place at our new Central Packing Operation located at 1530 B Bobali Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17104. Volunteers in Harrisburg area mustsign-up through the website.
- Limited, small group packing in Williamsport . Our Williamsport Food Hub is now back open to volunteer opportunities, on a limited availability. Volunteers in Williamsport please email thefor available volunteer times.
- Volunteer Requirements
- Masks are optional as of March 7, 2022.
- Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.
- Work boots or closed toes shoes are mandatory.
- Do not volunteer if you have exhibited any COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days or been in contact with someone who has. Also please stay home if you have knowingly been around anyone who has been ill.
- Volunteer coordinators will monitor for visible signs of any illness and graciously require impacted volunteers to exit to ensure group safety.
- All volunteers must wash their hands for at least 20 seconds before beginning their shift.
- Additional hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed in several areas for use during their project.
- Any volunteer who steps away from the line must re-wash their hands before resuming.
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How Does Gemma’s Angels Fit In This Program
Jill Horner speaks with Joe Arthur, Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank about how its fresh milk distribution program is expanding statewide. Follow on Facebook.com/centralpafoodbank and on Twitter @centralpafb.
Part of our mission is providing fresh fruit and vegetables to our agencies. Our role is to simply supplement the work of the Central PA Food Bank, not to replace it. We also provide the small niceties that the agencies sometimes lack or are not able to afford. An example would be the recent purchase of a commercial grade can opener for Interfaith Shelter. The residential styles they were using kept breaking but the cost to buy a commercial type was $60–money that was set aside for food and groceries. We stepped in and bought that for them. We also buy small kitchen equipment including pots, pans, ladles, etc. They may not be significant purchases, but they make the lives of the staff preparing the meals a bit easier–and we can live with that.
Check out the video below of Joe Arthur, CPFB’s Executive Director, talking about their new fresh milk distribution program. Central PA Food Bank also has some long-standing fundraising events including Taste of Central Pennsylvania and You can find them on the web at:
Central PA Food Bank serves the following counties:
Help Us Feed Your Neighbors
Your gift today will help the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank provide meals to thousands of individuals, families, children, seniors and veterans in our communities who are working hard to make ends meet in the wake of the COVID-19 economic crisis.
Every $1 helps provide six meals. Make a donation by clicking here!
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is a nonprofit organization committed to ending hunger in 27 counties across central Pennsylvania. By working with more than 1,300 local agencies and programs, we serve over 152,000 people in need each month through our two Healthy Food Hubs, located in Harrisburg and Williamsport.
Our Mission Statement: fighting hunger, improving lives, strengthening communities
Our Bold Goal:
For more about the Central PA Food Bank
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What It’s Like To Volunteer At A Food Bank
Every volunteer experience is a little different. Here are some things you might do as a volunteer:
- Sort and pack food: You can keep the shelves stocked by assembling food boxes for distribution.
- Assist at mobile pantries, drive-thru pantries, and no-contact distributions: Help your neighbors feed their families.
- Deliver meals: With many communities sheltering in place, you can help ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have the food they need while staying safe.
- Glean and garden: Volunteers collect food left in the fields after harvest or help tend the food bank or food pantry’s community garden.
- Volunteer from home: Some food banks have moved their volunteer shifts online and are asking volunteers to help fundraise or spread awareness.
Your safety is a top priority. The Feeding America network follows all Center for Disease Control and local guidelines for sanitation, hygiene, and social distancing to ensure staff and volunteers are safe. This may include masks, additional handwashing stations, gloves, reduced group sizes, and other safety precautions.
Want To Volunteer At A Food Bank
Food banks, food pantries, and meal programs in the Feeding America network are continuing to do what they do best – provide meals to our communities. Volunteers are critical to providing food to everyone during this difficult time.
Pledge to volunteer with your local food bank and find a volunteer opportunity near you.
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Food Stamp Outreach Initiative
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank operates a Food Stamps Helpline that helps individuals find out if they qualify to receive additional food assistance. Within their service territory, only 55% of those individuals that are income eligible for the program are receiving benefits. Their goal is to inform the public about this federal nutrition program and to provide screening and enrollment assistance to those who may need and are eligible to receive benefits. To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for SNAP, please call their helpline at 1.877.999.5964 or download the latest income guidelines here. | ¿Tiene dificultades para pagar por comida?
Central Pa food bank operates the food stamp outreach initiative
Their SNAP Associates will:
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Combined Customer And Corporate Donation Will Provide More Than One Million Meals To Food Insecure Families In 27 Pa Counties
Left to right:Joe Arthur, Executive Director Central Pennsylvania Food BankJeremy Latimer, District Manager Weis Markets.
Weis Markets recently donated $275,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as part of its year-round Fight Hunger program. Weis store managers presented the donation during a hunger action event at the food banks Healthy Food Hub in Williamsport. The donation will enable the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to distribute more than one million meals throughout the 27 counties in which it operates.
The gift includes customer contributions made at checkout in Weis stores throughout 2022 and a substantial corporate donation. Weis Markets Fight Hunger campaign offers customers the opportunity to donate to regional food banks at checkout. The campaign ran in March, September and November. In December, Weis Markets will donate a combined $1 million in customer and company funds to 17 regional food banks and two food pantries in its seven-state market area.
We are blessed with Weis Markets ongoing and strong support of our mission and their dedication to ending hunger in our communities, said Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director Joe Arthur. This generous gift will provide more than a million meals to neighbors in need this holiday season and beyond. Without partners like Weis Markets and their customers, we could not meet the needs of our neighbors, and we are truly grateful.
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The Central Pa Food Bank Makes It Easier
You can apply in person, on the phone or online through Pennsylvanias Department of Human Services. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, however, operates an amazing program that makes it much easier to apply for food stamps. They will assist you, free of charge, in getting food assistance to you and your family.
Here are their programs and how to contact them:
A Year Of Covid: Pennsylvania Food Bank Tackled Explosion Of Need
This overhead view shows the Central Pennsylvania Food Banks Central Packing Office in Harrisburg.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and its Susquehanna Valley partners worked overtime in 2020 to meet the increased demand for food amid the pandemic and this year is following the same pattern.
And 2021 is shaping up to be very similar to 2020, said food bank Executive Director Joe Arthur on Wednesday.
The need for food during the height of the pandemic just kept increasing, he said. By the end of 2020, the food bank provided 50 million meals to the 27 counties and 1,000 local agencies it serves.
The demand place upon the food banks two healthy food hubs one in Williamsport and one in Harrisburg remains high.
One year ago
On the week of March 9, 2020, a week before the pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization, Arthur vividly recalled, we were already doing things like washing our hands more frequently, but that was about it.
Little was known about the virus. The organizations two main fundraisers called Soup-and-Bowl events had been held.
It seemed like everything was fine, he said. Life seemed normal.
A week later, he said, the pandemic was declared, and were like uh-oh. The closures starting happening immediately. And we knew that we were in for a big surge. We have a helpline for people and it went crazy that very week. Every day. We had extra coverage, but the phones literally rang off the hook.
Deliveries
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Lutherans Fight Hunger Night
In partnership with York Revolution and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans feed others as we have been fed by Christ. To support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, all guests will receive a $10 discounted group ticket, with $5 of every ticket donated directly to the mission of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Fans are also encouraged to bring a non perishable food donation to the game or to make additional donations directly to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Game Information:
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What Is Food Insecurity And Who Is Most Affected
As we mentioned earlier, food insecurity affects families most who are below the income poverty line. But food insecurity isnt as simple as just being hungryits about not having access to the basic needs that our Lord intended us to have.
From a more technical standpoint, the US Department of Agriculture categorizes food insecurity into four different levels. The two topmost levels are considered food secure and are defined as high and marginal. This means that these families have had zero to two reported incidents of issues with accessing food or very minimal concern over food shortages in their homes.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the food insecure families, which are defined as low or very low. Families are put into these categories when theyve had a reduction in the quality or quantity of nutritious food available to them due to income. Those that are considered to have very low food insecurity were previously defined as food insecure with hunger.
Since the 2020 pandemic, there are 2.04 million Pennsylvaniansincluding nearly 630,000 childrenwho are now food insecure. Out of the 67 counties in PA, 64 counties now have food insecurity rates at or above 13%. Before COVID-19 hit, there were only three counties at the 13% rate, and there are 32 counties with food insecurity rates at or above 16.5%.
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