During Trifecta of Government Shutdown, State Budget Impasse, and impending SNAP Crises, Mercer County Food Bank steps up with a 100,000 Meal Commitment.
The ongoing federal government shutdown, state budget impasse, and looming SNAP crisis are putting unprecedented strain on the charitable food network’s ability to serve neighbors in need throughout Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
Mercer County Food Bank remains steadfast in our mission to provide supplemental food assistance to neighbors facing hunger. This week, our Board of Directors 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 Executive Director Rebecca Page. “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.”
While we are committed to providing these meals, we also call on our community to take action. As part of our emergency response plan, we’re launching a county-wide 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 across Mercer County.
You can help by:
- Participating in the Together We Can County-wide food drive initiative
- Making a monetary donation to support bulk food purchases
- Volunteering time to help sort and pack food boxes for distribution
- Reaching out directly to local food pantries to offer assistance
“It takes a community to feed a community, and we will get through this together,” added Page.