By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania's Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, announced grants exceeding $2.07 million to 57 food banks, pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens across the state. These grants, part of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Reach and Resiliency Grants, aim to combat hunger and enhance access to healthy food.
The grants support various projects, including mobile food pantries, expanded cold storage, warehouse space, delivery vehicles, and other initiatives to reach isolated or underserved communities. This initiative reflects the state's commitment to invest in a healthier, more food-secure Pennsylvania.
This round of grants follows a previous allocation of $1.6 million to 39 organizations in September 2023. The ongoing effort addresses food insecurity, a persistent challenge highlighted by Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report, which indicated that 11.9% of Pennsylvanians, over 1.5 million people, faced food uncertainty in 2022.
Schuylkill Community Action, based in Pottsville, received $50,000 to establish a mobile food pantry serving rural residents, including a significant Latinx population. This initiative aims to bridge food access gaps, particularly in areas lacking grocery stores or fresh food options.
Dave Young, Executive Director of Schuylkill Community Action, emphasized the impact of the grant on their community. The new mobile pantry, equipped with a box truck, enables them to extend services to remote areas, ensuring all residents, including the Latinx community, have access to nutritious food.
The TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grants represent a significant step in addressing food insecurity in Pennsylvania. By supporting local organizations, the state aims to create a more equitable food distribution network and improve the well-being of all residents.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov.
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