The coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented need throughout the world.
In McKean County, and throughout its coverage area, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania has risen to the occasion.
“Unfortunately, we have seen many new households being served in the months since the COVID-19 crisis started,” said Second Harvest CEO Karen Seggi. “This is reflective of the challenges many are facing during this pandemic. Food insecurity is a problem year-round, but it has become especially prevalent during the current crisis.”
Second Harvest serves an 11-county area, and is the largest hunger relief agency in the region.
“From Jan. 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020, we have distributed 139,862 meals to those in need throughout McKean County,” said Grace Hallowell, spokesperson.
It is anticipated that the COVID-19 crisis will cause unemployment numbers to rise in the region, and officials with the food bank said they are positioned to serve the anticipated increase in need for food.
If you or someone you know is in need of food and resides within McKean County, call the Second Harvest Emergency Food Line at (814) 459-3663 x 117, or visit the agency locator at nwpafoodbank.org/agency-locator to find a distribution site.
In addition to matching people with one of the hunger relief agencies, Second Harvest also offers the following programs:
Member Agencies and Produce Express: Second Harvest provides many of the food distributions for the McKean County food pantries. The Produce Express program also delivers truckloads of food for up to 200 struggling families in need where traditional food pantries are not available. Distributions occur at varying times each month.
SNAP Outreach: Second Harvest provides pre-screening and application assistance for those applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as “food stamp” — benefits.
Senior Box Program: Those in need, who are 60 years of age or older and meet certain income requirements are encouraged to enroll in this program. Senior boxes are distributed across 5 locations in McKean County.
Military Share: The Military Share program is designed to provide fresh, nutritious foods for families with at least one active duty military member, or veteran of their families.
BackPack Program: The Second Harvest Backpack program provides children with nutritious, child-friendly food when other resources, such as school lunches and after-school meals or snacks, are not available.
Contact Second Harvest for more information on any of the food programs.
