In this photo taken May 19, 2017, Cindy Gustafson helps pack bags of food for the Backpack Buddies program at Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, Pa. The program faces a loss of federal funding under the budget proposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Michael Rubinkam / AP Photo
Michael Rubinkam / AP Photo
In this photo taken May 19, 2017, Cindy Gustafson helps pack bags of food for the Backpack Buddies program at Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, Pa. The program faces a loss of federal funding under the budget proposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.
With schools out for summer break and student access to free breakfasts and accessible lunches decreasing, food insecurity is expected to rise throughout Central Pennsylvania.
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which serves 27 counties and works with nearly 1,100 local agencies and programs, has more than 107,000 children and youth in its coverage area who face food insecurity.
That is one in six children who are unsure about where their next meal will come from.
“So many children and families who rely on programs like the nutritious breakfast that they’re provided and lunch five days a week are at an increased risk of experiencing hunger,” said Shila Ulrich, CEO of Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Having to pay for additional food over the summer puts financial strain on households, Ulrich said.
“They’re making choices between paying for rent or a mortgage or paying for things like electricity or other utilities within their home,” she said. “Families are certainly making choices between which bills they’re paying and accessing food.”
Community resources that provide food can help free up money to go toward other necessities. But summer is often a time when there are fewer volunteers and donations as people go on vacations and the winter giving season comes to an end.
Ulrich said anyone looking to help can volunteer their time or donate supplies to their local organizations. They can also advocate for policies that would help with food access for children, she said.
This could include the state’s SUN Bucks program, which provides $120 grocery benefits for each eligible child over the summer, or SNAP benefits from the USDA, which can provide food for families year-round.
While food access is important for everyone, Ulrich said it’s especially important for children.
“We know children are at risk of not being able to learn well, and children who are not food insecure have just better economic outcomes when they’re adults, so it’s really important that we take care of our kiddos,” she said.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has a directory on its website so people who need assistance can find soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and social programs near them.
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