SHARON, Pa. – With an ongoing federal government shutdown, a state budget impasse and a looming SNAP funding crisis, the Mercer County Food Bank is taking steps to serve those in need in the county.
The food bank’s board of directors this week approved an emergency plan that will provide nearly 100,000 meals through its network of member agencies, ensuring they can meet the expected increase in need over the coming months.
“Because of this trifecta in Pennsylvania, with no clear end in sight, food pantries and feeding sites are struggling to keep food on their shelves,” said Rebecca Page, executive director of the Mercer County Food Bank. “The plan was adopted after receiving several calls from agencies concerned about their ability to serve neighbors in an increased capacity, with the looming threat of unpaid SNAP benefits just weeks away – a situation that could directly affect over 19,000 residents.”
To help serve those in need, the food bank is seeking help from the community. As part of its emergency response plan, the food bank is launching a countywide food drive called Together We Can Food and Funds Drive – a collective effort to rally local businesses, schools and community groups to help restock pantry shelves throughout Mercer County.
The food bank is encouraging residents to participate in the food drive initiative; make a monetary donation to support bulk food purchases; volunteer to help sort and pack food boxes for distribution; and reach out directly to local food pantries to offer assistance.
“It takes a community to feed a community, and we will get through this together,” Page said.
Those in need of food assistance can call the food bank at 724 981 0353 to be paired with a local pantry.