Food security continues to be a main area of focus for AllOne Foundation, particularly as COVID-era funding from various sources comes to an end. In 2023, the Foundation awarded a $492,000 multi-year grant to the Weinberg Northeast Regional, Central Pennsylvania, and Second Harvest Food Banks. In addition to food acquisition and distribution, the funds supported an environmental scan of food banks in Bradford, Carbon, Clinton, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming Counties. The food security landscape was altered as an influx of food banks were established during, and immediately following, the COVID-19 pandemic, with some closing and some remaining open in subsequent years. The study, which was completed by the Institute, aims to understand the specific challenges individuals and families face in this post-pandemic era.
The Institute’s recommendations include partnering with food sellers and other organizations to divert food from becoming waste and to secure grants for pantries to expand storage or install refrigeration to provide healthier foods. Recommendations also include expanding food pantry hours in some areas, particularly weekend and evening hours, and to expand access to SNAP and WIC benefits.
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