ERIE — After missing paychecks and facing an uncertain future, thousands of furloughed government employees are making difficult decisions about what they can and cannot afford.
To help make sure federal employees and their families don’t go hungry, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania has identified key agencies across the 11 counties of northwest Pennsylvania that will offer food to those affected.
“We realize that many people who have never accessed our services may now need to due to the unique circumstances resulting from the federal shutdown,” said Executive Director Karen Seggi. “Second Harvest is working to meet the needs of our neighbors who are struggling with food insecurity, and we hope to help furloughed federal employees navigate this difficult time.”In McKean County, local resources include the YWCA of Bradford. The food pantry is open from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the facility at 24 W. Corydon St. The contact is Kristie Chase, at 368-4235 ext. 111.
The Otto Township Fire Hall Produce Express will be open Jan. 30, March 27 and May 29 at the fire hall at 118 Sweitzer Drive, Duke Center. Contact Anita Prescott for additional information at 966-3922.
There is no charge to receive food from a local agency. Furloughed government employees are asked to identify themselves as federal employees.
Additionally, any federal employee affected by the shutdown can access food through a Produce Express held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at Second Harvest Food Bank, 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA, 16501. Those in need of food are requested to call (814) 459-3663 x 103 to pre-register. Food items that recipients have received at a recent Second Harvest Produce Express Distribution include: milk, cottage cheese, apples, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberry cups, tomato sauce, saltine crackers, peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese and ice cream.
Anyone in need of food can simply visit www.nwpafoodbank.org and click on Need Help? on the home page, or call (814) 459-3663 to be directed to an agency nearby.
