Like food banks across the nation, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has been challenged during the coronavirus pandemic. However, thanks to donations from local businesses, help from governmental programs, the generosity of the community and the services of volunteers, the food bank remains committed to fulfill its mission, "fighting hunger, improving lives, strengthening communities."

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is headquartered in Harrisburg with a second location in Williamsport. It serves 27 counties throughout central Pennsylvania through a network of more than 1,000 partner agencies and programs. More than 60% of the clients the food bank serves are working families with children.

Since March 2020, when the pandemic arrived in the local area, the food bank has seen its numbers steadily increase. "Last year in a typical month we served about 135,000 people through all of our partners. During COVID, a typical month is (serving) 200,000 people," said Joe Arthur, executive director. "The vast majority of those folks that came for help last year was directly related to COVID - job loss, losing (work) hours and the economic impact." He noted that, with safety in mind, the food bank and its partners began distributing food in a drive-up format.

Programs offered by the food bank include Military Share, which provides fresh food for families with at least one member who served or is serving in the armed forces, and the ElderShare program, which provides a monthly box of food to seniors who meet certain income guidelines. Food bank volunteers also pack and distribute boxes for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Arthur said that the food bank and its programs were able to thrive with additional assistance. "We have had extra help from the big federal programs that came down, like the CARES Act, and there was extra funding and food that came from the USDA and our state Department of Agriculture," he noted.

From the start of the pandemic, the food bank began to prepare for a long-term crisis. "Back in March, we knew it would be big, and we started sending out (donation) letters and we received immediate response," Arthur stated. "Our appeals for extra help have (resulted in) a lot of generosity. It has been inspiring - the response we have received from people, foundations and businesses that are doing OK."

The community is invited to continue to help the food bank through donations or by volunteering to help sort and pack food. Since in-person food drives are currently suspended, people may take part in a virtual food drive by visiting http://www.centralpafoodbank.org/ways-to-give/give-funds/virtual-food-drive.

Arthur said that area residents should also support their local food banks in the next few months, when the need is especially strong. "We call it the 'heat or eat' season - when people decide whether to buy food or pay their heating bill," he added.

For more information about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and volunteer opportunities, readers may call 717-564-1700 or visit http://www.centralpafoodbank.org or http://www.facebook.com/CentralPAFoodBank.