State education agency employees donate $25K to Central Pa. Food Bank

Rick Dandes, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

May 14—SUNBURY — The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) announced on Tuesday that their employees have given $25,000 in donations to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to aid their neighbors in need since the pandemic began.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is a nonprofit organization committed to fighting hunger, improving lives, and strengthening communities. They serve 27 counties across Central Pennsylvania, including Valley food banks. "Food insecurity continues to be a challenge in many communities, with one in 11 people in Central Pennsylvania facing food insecurity daily, including one in 10 children," explained Sen. Wayne Fontana, PHEAA board chairman. "Too many don't know where their next meal is coming from. By supporting the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, we are helping to provide nourishing food to our neighbors in need."

"The stark reality right now," said Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, "is that we need more help and more financial support than ever before, even compared to the peak of the pandemic. We are truly dealing with another hunger crisis."

Virtual food drives allow the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to purchase food in bulk quantities at less-than-wholesale prices, including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and proteins. One dollar can help provide four nutritious meals through a virtual food drive.

"The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is incredibly thankful to the leadership and team members at PHEAA; their generosity and engagement are truly helping us meet the historically high demand for food assistance in our region," said Arthur.

"I've always been a strong supporter of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and their meaningful work throughout Central Pennsylvania," said James Steeley, PHEAA President & CEO. "I'm proud that PHEAA has been able to continue to support the Food Bank since the onset of the pandemic. We will continue to work to help others in need."

— RICK DANDES