ElderShare Program Feeds Seniors

A Newsletter for Supporters of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
ElderShare Program Feeds Seniors
Nestled in the rolling
hills and farmland of
bucolic Fulton County,
McConnellsburg looks
like a typical “Norman
Rockwell” small town.
Passers-by are greeted
with a warm smile and
hello, and the gentle pace
is far removed from the
hustle and bustle of larger
towns and cities.
too. I have to make
sure I have enough to
go around to the end
of the month. So this
helps keep me eating.”
Sherry Lynn is the
ElderShare Program
Coordinator for Fulton
County Food Basket.
She has seen the
LaNean
program grow since
its inception, and how
On this day, however, the easy-going
it helps the seniors in her town. The
nature outside is a stark contrast to the
program started with 20 boxes being
folks gathered inside Fulton County
distributed in June 2010, and they now
Food Basket. Located in the center
distribute 61 boxes each month. “A
of town, Fulton County Food Basket
lot of the seniors have talked about
is distributing much-needed boxes of
their income when they come in,” said
food to seniors today. This is not the
Sherri. “A lot of it is about the grocery
location most people expect hunger to
bills in the markets now, with the
exist, and these are not the typical faces
skyrocketing cost of the staples: their
of hunger conjured by most, but these
vegetables, their milk, their cheese.
ElderShare boxes have become a lifeline
They love the cheese they receive in the
for the recipients.
box. A lot of them can’t afford blocks of
cheese at the grocery store.”
LaNean is 75 years old and has recently
moved from San Diego to Fulton
In all, the Central PA Food Bank
County to be closer to her son. Besides
distributes more than 4,700 ElderShare
the culture shock of now
boxes each month. The
dealing with cold winters,
boxes are filled with
she also is now trying
cereal, peanut butter,
to make ends meet with
fruit juice, vegetables
just her social security
and many other highcheck. “Prices keep going
nutrient items aimed
up in the grocery store,
at increasing the
everything keeps going up
health and stretching
everywhere,” said LaNean.
the food dollars for
“I have to do what I can to
seniors like LaNean and
cut my food costs because
Willy. Willy has lived
Willy
I have other expenses
Continued on page 11
Winter 2011-12
Inside This
Edition
Executive Director’s Message....... 2
Making Hunger Their
Business –The Hershey Co........ 3
PNC Park becomes
Field of Dreams ....................... 3
24th Annual Taste of Central PA.... 4
Map the Meal Gap........................ 5
Ben Felty Grows Fresh Vegetables.5
Central PA Food Bank Joins Food
Recovery Challenge.................. 5
Group Food Drives........................ 6
PA Pork Producers & Penn
State Fight Hunger.................... 7
Land O’ Lakes Truckload of
Macaroni & Cheese.................. 7
BJ’s Wholesale Club...................... 7
KISS FM Stuff a Bus....................... 7
Wegmans & WITF Donate............. 8
Szeles Real Estate Food Drive........ 8
Mrs. T’s Fights Hunger.................. 8
Big 33 Food Drive......................... 8
Central PA Food Bank
Annual Turkey Drive................. 9
Volunteer Groups........................ 10
Grants Provide Support............... 10
Volunteer Spotlight..................... 10
Agency Spotlight – Fulton County
Food Basket............................ 11
ElderShare Fulton County Food
Basket (continued).................. 11
A True Hometown Hero............. 12
Blue Jean Fridays......................... 12
Welcome New Food Bank Staff... 12
Hunger Action Month Recap...... 13
RETTEW Makes Donation............ 14
Josh Ritter Supports Central PA
Food Bank.............................. 14
PinnacleHealth and GIANT Foods
Partner with Food Bank........... 14
American Truck Historical Society
Donation................................ 14
The Hershey Co. Donates............ 15
Project Advancing Hope............. 15
Save The Dates........................... 16
16th Annual Taste of Lancaster... 16
Visit our website at
Page 2
We Couldn’t Do It … Without You!
A message from the Executive Director
3908 Corey Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5929
717-564-1700
Fax 717-561-4636
centralpafoodbank.org
2012 Board of Directors
Joel Hopkins – President
Tanya Gentry – Vice President
Jamie Strong – Secretary
Timothy Grunstra, CPA – Treasurer
Melissa Bard
Adam Campbell
Sean Connolly
Jim Curran
Margaret Delmonico
Bob Gillard
Kirk Hallett
Charles A. Linn
John Linnenbach
Bridget Montgomery
Tracy Pawelski
Don Roth
Matt Schlosser
Tona Shaver
Doug Shuff
George West
Patricia Wong
Executive Director
Kendall Hanna
Associate Director
Joe Arthur
Editor, Food for Thought
The holiday season is a special time at the
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The kickoff of the holiday season at the Food Bank
is the launch of our annual turkey drive,
and from that point forward, the Food Bank
bustles with activity and energy, much like
you would find at a local shopping mall. We
are blessed with multitudes of volunteers
who cheerfully offer their time to assist
Kendall Hanna
us in our mission, and many more donors
Executive Director
come through our doors who contribute
to our turkey drive; all making the holidays
a little brighter for families who are struggling.
Now the gift boxes, bows and wrapping paper have all been stored
for another year, yet the needs of the hungry in our communities
persists. As you read on the previous page, many seniors in our
area face a constant battle trying to put healthy food on their tables.
Living on a fixed income and facing rising heating, medication and
food costs places a burden on thousands of seniors. Having to
choose between heating their home or eating is common, with
more than one-third of the seniors served by the Central PA Food
Bank admitting they have faced that tough decision in the past.
At the other end of the age spectrum, on page five you will read
of the recent Map the Meal Gap Child Food Insecurity study. This
study breaks down childhood hunger not only by state, but by
county. Astoundingly, 21% of the children in central Pennsylvania,
more than one in five, are at risk for hunger. Many of these
households fall into the “gap” between qualifying for governmentfunded programs and actually having a sustainable income, which
is why food banks play a vital role in supplementing the necessary
nutritious food for families that do not qualify for assistance.
Brad Peterson
The official registration and financial information
of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank may be
obtained from the Pennsylvania Department
of State by calling toll-free 1-800-732-0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement.
A United Way Program Partner
On many other pages you will read of how our numerous
supporters assist us to help these seniors, children and families in
our neighborhoods. In addition to the names and faces you see
here, there are thousands more who generously play a part in our
efforts. We thank you for aiding our mission of fighting hunger,
improving lives and strengthening communities. We couldn’t do
it without you!
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 3
Making Hunger THEIR Business! The Hershey Company
For many, just the word “Hershey” brings a
smile to their face. The thought of creamy,
delicious chocolate that melts in your mouth
generates endless good thoughts.
Here at the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank, we love chocolate too, but the name
“Hershey” generates good thoughts for a
different reason. The Hershey Company has been a backer of
the Food Bank for more than 15 years, making them one of
our longest-running supporters. Nearly four million pounds
of food donations have come from The Hershey Company
over the years, and with their donation of $250,000 toward
Project Advancing Hope (see page 15), nearly $500,000 has
been donated to the Food Bank in 15 years.
It is not just the tangible donations that set The Hershey
Company apart. The largest producer of quality chocolate
in North America is also one of the largest suppliers of
volunteers to the Central PA Food Bank. Hundreds of
volunteers regularly come to the Food Bank each year,
donating countless hours of time to help the less fortunate
in their community. Included among the volunteers that
regularly spend time packing boxes is Jim Nevels, Chairman
of the Board of The Hershey Company (far left in the photo).
Being a good citizen in their community is part of the culture,
and for more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been
a leader in making a positive
difference in the communities
where its employees live, work and
do business. Corporate Social Responsibility
is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy,
which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and
ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship,
fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively
impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey
School, established in 1909 by the company’s founder and
administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality
education, housing and medical care at no cost to children in
social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School
are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company’s success.
Because of the unceasing support and commitment of The
Hershey Company, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will
continue fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening
communities here in central PA.
PNC Park becomes Field of Dreams
On Wednesday, August 3rd, the Food Bank was able to truly make
PNC Park in Pittsburgh a “field of dreams”. Through networking,
Michelle Shreffler, Coordinator of the Northern Dauphin Food Pantry,
came into possession of 40 tickets to a Pirates/Cubs game. The tickets
were provided to another group through the MLB Commissioner’s
Community Initiative to provide an experience for children to attend
a game. Michelle wasn’t sure what to do with the tickets, and after
speaking to her, the Food Bank staff went to work! We booked a bus
Patrons of Northern Dauphin Food Pantry
from Elite Coach in Ephrata, and recruited Thrivent Financial Services
outside PNC Park in Pittsburgh
to underwrite the cost of the bus. Panera came on board to provide
box lunches for the trip and the Elizabethville Walmart gave permission to use their parking lot as our departure location.
Wednesday afternoon 40 clients/families served by the Northern Dauphin Pantry set off for Pittsburgh. Many had never
even been to a “city”, let alone to a major league baseball stadium. The looks on the children’s faces when they walked
into the ballpark was priceless. It ended up being a dreary, rainy evening, but nothing could dampen the spirits of our
group. They watched a great one-run game, and although the Cubs came out on top, everyone thoroughly enjoyed
themselves. It honestly was a dream come true and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of them.
Visit our website at
Page 4
24th Annual Taste of Central PA
Event raises $112,000
to feed families
in our communities
24th
On Sunday, October 30, more than 1,000 people
attended the Central PA Food Bank’s 24th Annual
Taste of Central PA. The event was held at
Strawberry Square in Harrisburg and was the most
successful event ever, raising more than $112,000 to
support the Food Bank’s mission of fighting hunger,
improving lives and strengthening communities.
The Taste of Central PA featured food and beverages
provided by 46 area restaurants, caterers and food
and beverage purveyors. Musical entertainment was
Don Johnson Project performs at the 24th Annual Taste of Central PA
provided by Nate Carabello, Dante, Jazz Me Band,
Don Johnson Project and Gent’s Nite Out. A raffle
and silent auction also was held. Thank you to the many corporations, individuals,
restaurants, and volunteers who contributed to make this year’s event a success!
Prize winning participants included:
Best Drink Award:
Appalachian Brewing Company
Best Food Award:
Messiah College
Best Dessert Award:
(tie) The Hotel Hershey and Fickle Cakes
Best in Show Award:
Final Cut Steak House – Hollywood Casino
at Penn National Race Course
People’s Choice Award: Messiah College
Messiah College wins
Best Food & People’s Choice awards
at 2011 Taste of Central PA
The 24th Annual Taste of Central PA was made possible by the support of numerous
sponsors, including GIANT Food Stores and Panera Bread as the Master Chef
Sponsors. PSECU was the Executive Chef Sponsor and Susquehanna Bank and
Kellogg’s were Sous Chef Sponsors. Other sponsors include The Bravo Group, Bryn Mawr Trust Company Wealth Management
Hershey Division, Capital Blue Cross, Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Five Star International, Fulton Bank, Gannett
Fleming Inc., The Hershey Company, Joan M. Ruffle, M.D., Lawn Equipment Parts Company, Lois Lehrman Grass Foundation,
Members 1st Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Rowan
Associates, The Joseph T. and Helen M. Simpson Foundation and United Concordia.
Media sponsors were WGAL TV-8, WHP 580, WRVV 97.3 The River, BOB 94.9, and 99.3 KISS FM.
Visit any Isaac’s Deli in January and $1.00 of every cup or
bowl of soup sold during the month will be donated to feed
hungry children. Visit www.isaacsdeli.com/locations.asp
to find the nearest Isaac’s location.
centralpafoodbank.org
Map the
Meal Gap
Child Food
Insecurity 2011 Study
On August 25, Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank and Feeding America,
the nation’s largest hunger relief
organization, released a new study
which reveals that children are
struggling with hunger in every county
and congressional district in America.
The new study, Map the Meal Gap:
Child Food Insecurity 2011, reveals
approximately 21% of children under
the age of 18, more than 137,000
children, are struggling with hunger
in central Pennsylvania. Cumberland
County has the lowest rate locally, at
nearly 18%, while Fulton County has
the highest rate of child food insecurity
at just over 30%.
Nationally, while one in six Americans
overall is food insecure, the rate for
children is much higher: nearly one in
four children are food insecure. Rates
of child food insecurity range from
a low of 7%, in Steele County, North
Dakota; to highs of more than 50% in
Zavala and Starr Counties, which are
both in Texas.
“The numbers revealed in this new
study are alarming, but not inconsistent
with our day-to-day experiences. Onethird of those served by the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank are children”,
said Kendall Hanna, Executive Director
of Central PA Food Bank. “It is not
the face of hunger that most people
picture when they conjure an image
of someone standing in line at a
food pantry. The malnutrition of our
children has devastating effects on
growth and development that may last
into adulthood.”
To see more details of the study, go to
http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-inamerica/hunger-studies/map-the-mealgap.aspx
Page 5
Ben Felty
Grows Fresh
Vegetables for
the Food Bank
The Boy Scouts of America
provides a program for
young people that builds
character and trains them
in the responsibilities of
participating citizenship.
To achieve the rank of
Eagle Scout, a scout must
not only attain 21 merit
badges, but must also
plan, develop and give
leadership to a service
project for a community
organization.
Benton
Felty of Harrisburg chose
a unique Eagle Scout
project. Ben planted a half
acre of land, cultivated and
nurtured it throughout
the summer, battled
heat, rain and unwanted
“varmints” and donated all
of his harvest to the Food
Bank. In all, Ben made
more than 15 deliveries to
the Food Bank during the
summer, and his bounty
included watermelons,
beets, carrots, zucchini,
green beans, peppers and
cantaloupes. Nearly a
ton of fresh produce was
grown, and donated, by
Ben, so that less fortunate
families could have fresh
produce on their tables.
Great job, Ben!
Central PA Food Bank Joins Food
Recovery Challenge
On September 21, 2011, Weis Markets and the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank joined the growing list of
organizations to join the Environmental Protection
Agency’s Food Recovery Challenge. The ceremony took
place during Pollution Prevention Week at the Food Bank’s
Harrisburg warehouse. EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge
encourages organizations to reduce, donate, and recycle
as much of their food waste as possible, saving money and
helping to protect the environment.
After paper, food waste is the second largest waste category
in the U.S. In 2009, 34 million tons of food waste was
generated. Of that, 33 million tons, or 97%, was thrown
away in landfills or incinerators. When excess food, leftover
food, and food scraps are disposed of in a landfill, they
decompose rapidly and become a significant source of
methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas, which
contributes to global warming.
By joining the Food Recovery Challenge as an “Endorser,”
the Central PA Food Bank will work with EPA to help
promote participation in the Food Recovery Challenge by
their affiliates and suppliers.
“The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is proud to
become an Endorser in the Food Recovery Challenge. By
proactively searching for methods to conserve resources,
everyone can play a pivotal role in furthering our mission
of fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening
communities,” said Kendall Hanna, the Food Bank’s
Executive Director.
“Weis Markets is pleased to be working with the EPA
and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in the Food
Recovery Challenge. Food waste management is one of
our key sustainability initiatives and we are developing
programs to manage food waste in a manner that benefits
key community organizations, our business and the
environment,” said Patti Olenick, Sustainability Manager for
Weis Markets.
Kendall Hanna of the Central PA Food Bank (left) and
Patti Olenick of Weis Markets receive plaques signifying
participation in the Food Recovery Challenge from Bill
Early, EPA
Mid-Atlantic
Region Deputy
Regional
Administrator.
Visit our website at
Page 6
Group Food Drives
AARP
Thanks to the following groups for conducting food drives!
If you would like more information on conducting a food
drive, call Gary Durborow at 717.564.1700 or
[email protected]
Ettline Foods Corporation
Military Intake Center
RR Donnelley
Adecco Harrisburg
Exel Logistics
Momentum Fitness Center
Ryan Mastowski
Albright Life
Faith Presbyterian Church
Natalie Einsig
Sarah Hoffman
Schneider Electric/Square D.
Foundation
American Payroll Association
FedEx
Natalie Tichenor
Ameriprise Financial
Feds Feed Families
National Recovery Agency
Ames True Temper
Foose Elementary School
Nationwide Insurance
AT&T
GIANT Food Stores (#6304)
Odyssey Hospice
Auditor General Employee
Recreation Association
GIANT Food Stores (#6447)
Orthopedic & Spine Specialists
Banyan Consulting, Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
North America
Our Gathering Place
Barb Baker
Goldberg Katzman, & Shipman
PA Association of Regional Food
Banks
Beauty Works
Harrisburg Academy
PA Department of Transportation
Belco Community Credit Union
Harrisburg Area Community
College
PA Human Relations, Harrisburg
Beth-El Temple
BIG 33
Boy Scouts
Boyer & Ritter
Brown, Schultz, Sheridan & Fritz
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
Camp Hill Church of God
Capital Wine and Spirits
Carol Gisselquist
Celerity
Central Dauphin East Middle
School
Harrisburg Auto Auction
Highmark
Hilton, Harrisburg
IBM, Inc.
Insurance Agents & Brokers
James Hess
Jan’s Beauty Salon
Jason W. Grace
Jenna Match
Chris R. Feather
John W. Bussenger, III
Comic Store West
Kellogg’s
Comix Connection
Keystone Technical Institute
Conrad Siegel Actuaries
Lancaster Area Sewer Authority
Cooper Booth Wholesale Co.
Larry Hess
County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania
Larry Langer
Engineers Society of Pennsylvania
ES3, LLC
Stauffers of Kissel Hill
Steven Rosenfeld
Susquehanna Ski Club Inc.
John S. Mitchell
Eleanor I. Zeisloft
Springford Apartments
St. Thomas United Church of
Christ
PA Water Environmental
Association
Hershey Foods
Chisuk Emuna Temple
Dunkin Donuts
Spectra Energy
Hershey Country Club
Joel H. Hersh
Don Amis
Social Security Office # 204
Steven Rosenfeld, DMD
Charles V. Wilson
Deborah Gift
Social Security Administration
PA Tourism and Lodging
Association
Jill R. Whitmyer
Dave Daniels
Shelly Brubacher
Harrisburg Senators
Central PA Subway Development
D&H Distributing Co.
PA Liquor Control Board
SCI Tech High School
Lawn Equipment Parts Company
Leslie Ocko
Light & Life Chapel
Lori Zimmerman
Loyalsock Chiropractic Center
Lycoming College
M&T Bank
Messiah College
Mid-Atlantic Corporate FCU
Parente Beard
Patterson
Paxton Church of the Brethren
Susquenita Middle School
Swatara Church of God
Sycamore Spring Orchard
Penn Credit Corporation
Szeles Real Estate Development
Company
Penn National Insurance
Target Corporation 431
Penn State Harrisburg
Temple Ohev Sholom
Penn State University Agricultural
Co-Op
Terry Rhodes
Pennsylvania Association of
Realtors
Tiffany Miller
Tina Earnest
Pennsylvania Association of
Retired State Employees
Twin Hills Health Center
Pennsylvania Bar Association
United Way of the Capital Region
Pepperidge Farm, Inc.
USDA Farm Service Agency
PEPSI Bottling Group, Inc.
USDA, FSIS
UGI Utilities, Inc.
Pepsico, Inc.
Valenti Mid-Atlantic Management
PFMA Communications
Vietnamese Alliance Church
Pine Street Presbyterian Church
Volker Zipprick
PinnacleHealth Hospital Services
W. Jason Grace & Family
PSECU
Weight Watchers
Randy A. Bronstein
Weis Markets Inc.
RETTEW
Wendy’s
Ridgeway Comm. Church Brethren
Wesley United Methodist Church
Robert O’Neal
West End Christian Community
Church Center
Robert P. Stanley Jr.
Robert W. Siddal
Royer’s Flowers & Gifts
Woodlands Bank
York Revolution
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 7
A Truckload of Macaroni & Cheese
for Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Pennsylvania Pork
Producers and
Penn State Partner to
Fight Hunger
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
has twice been chosen to receive
a pork donation from programs
sponsored by Pennsylvania Pork
Producers, Penn State Sports and
Leidy’s Simply Delicious Pork Products.
As part of the “Sack Hunger Campaign”
each week during the football season
a different charity was selected to
receive 50 pounds of pork products
for each sack recorded by the Penn
State defense. In the October 1st
game against Indiana, the Nittany
Lions recorded one sack, and the Food
Bank’s Williamsport branch received
the minimum donation of 100 pounds
of donated pork products. A “Block
Hunger” campaign is underway during
the men’s basketball season, and the
Food Bank was chosen to receive a
donation for the number of blocked
shots the Nittany Lions recorded
against Kentucky, South Florida and
Youngstown State, with each blocked
shot worth 25 pounds of pork
products. Penn State recorded seven
blocked shots in the three games,
garnering 175 pounds of pork products
for the Food Bank. In all, 275 pounds
of pork products have been donated
due to the two programs!
On August 8, Land O’Lakes, Inc.
donated 37,800 pounds, of LAND O
LAKES® Macaroni & Cheese to the
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The product is packaged as 5-pound
packets of fully cooked frozen whole
grain pasta with packets of shelf-stable
cheese sauce.
The donation is Land O’Lakes seventh
donation in the second year of its First
Run program. As part of the First Run
program, Land O’Lakes has committed
to donating truckloads of fresh product
to several food banks quarterly to help
alleviate hunger nationwide.
“As a national, farmer-owned
cooperative, Land O’Lakes is
committed to helping the growing
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Donation
Thank you to
BJ’s Wholesale
Club for their
donation of
$15,000 to the
Central PA Food Bank. The donated
funds will be used to offset the cost
of expenses associated with soliciting,
transporting and distributing food
to our program partners and service
programs in Cumberland, Lancaster
and York counties. “This substantial
gift will ensure that food is available
for families in our communities
struggling with hunger,” said Kendall
Hanna, Central PA Food Bank Executive
Director. “BJ’s continued partnership
with the Food Bank is a great example
of their commitment to give back to the
communities in which they are located.”
number of people struggling to put
food on their table,” said Land O’Lakes
Foundation Executive Director Lydia
Botham. “The ‘First Run’ program
provides a unique opportunity for Land
O’Lakes to provide a fresh, nutritious
product to families who can enjoy it.”
The “First Run” program is part of Land
O’Lakes Feeding Our Communities
initiative, a program dedicated to
helping alleviate hunger locally,
nationally and internationally. The
donation to Central PA Food Bank
is one of three First Run donations
made during the quarter. Donations
also were made to Second Harvest
Heartland in St. Paul, MN, and the
Cleveland Food Bank in Ohio.
KISS FM Stuff a Bus
Food Drive
Following last year’s record-breaking
year, 99.3 KISS FM was back with
another week of living on a bus in
front of the Linglestown GIANT
Food Store. Starting November 14,
afternoon host Mike Miller lived on the
bus for a week doing live broadcasts.
Mike lived in style in a donated bus
from Executive Coach, and managed
to fill his living quarters with more
than a ton of food! During his weeklong stay, 2,862 pounds of food was
donated for the Central PA Food
Bank. Thank you to Mike, the staff at
ClearChannel radio, and everyone who
donated food for their commitment to
feeding hungry families.
Visit our website at
Page 8
Donors —Making a Difference
Wegmans & WITF listeners donate
to the Central PA Food Bank
As part of a
one-day special
fundraising and
food-raising
campaign held
on November
10, Wegmans
agreed to
donate one pound of food to the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank for every dollar WITF-FM listeners donated to WITF, up to
20,000 pounds of food. The special one-day promotion raised
$25,000 for WITF, resulting in the full match of 20,000 pounds
of food and $5,000 from Wegmans for the Food Bank. The
donation will result in more than 40,000 meals made available to
families in central PA. Pictured, left to right, is Kristina Tiefert,
Wegmans GM Manager, Elise Fecko, Wegmans Service Team
Leader, Bob Finn, Wegmans Store Manager, Joe Arthur, Central
PA Food Bank Associate Director, Mark Duncan, WITF Senior
Vice President & Chief Development Officer, and Kerry Wevodau,
WITF Annual Fund Director.
Mrs. T’s Fights Hunger,
One Pierogy at a Time!
In conjunction with the celebration of National
Pierogy Day, October 8, 2011, Mrs. T’s Pierogies annual
Hunger Relief campaign was held this past October. A
portion of funds from each case of pierogies sold to
supermarket partners located in the Central PA Food
Bank coverage area was donated to the Food Bank.
Pictured, Representatives from Mrs. T’s Pierogies,
GIANT Food Stores and Boyer’s Markets present Joe
Arthur, Central PA Food Bank Associate Director, with
checks in the amount
of $12,000 and $1,500.
Thank you to Mrs. T’s
for supporting the
Food Bank’s hunger
relief efforts!
Szeles Real Estate Food Drive
From November 7 through November 21, Szeles Real Estate
Development Co. of Harrisburg conducted a food drive
with their 100+ tenants, with the collected food donated
to the Central PA Food Bank. The food drive produced
3,200 pounds of food to help feed hungry families in our
communities. In
addition to the food
collection, Szeles
Real Estate matched
the donation
pound-for dollar, and
made a contribution
of $3,200 to the
Mark Christine, Property Manager Food Bank. In all,
of Szeles Real Estate (left) presents
the donation will
Joe Arthur, Central PA Food Bank
provide more than
Associate Director, with a check
20,000 meals to
for $3,200 at the Food Bank
support the Food
warehouse in Harrisburg.
Bank’s mission.
Big 33 Food Drive
For 20 consecutive years, the Big
33 has conducted a food drive in
November to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
This year, nearly five tons of food was collected for families
in central PA. The 9,746 pounds of food, collected by local
high schools and businesses, will provide countless meals
over the coming weeks, and help ease the financial burden
of those struggling with food insecurity. “The Food Bank is
very proud to have a 20 year partnership with the Big 33,”
said Kendall Hanna, Central PA Food Bank Executive Director.
“The Big 33 has made a commitment to the community that
is invaluable, and we are exceedingly grateful for the many
families they have helped over the past 20 years.”
centralpafoodbank.org
T hank you!
Page 9
Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank Annual Turkey Drive
The Central PA Food Bank’s Turkey Drive kicked off on November 1 with GIANT Food Stores’ annual donation of 1,000
frozen turkeys. Many individuals, families, groups, organizations and businesses contributed to assist the Food Bank to
reach our goal of 5,000 turkeys distributed this holiday season. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the
holidays a little brighter for hungry families in our neighborhoods!
Roof Advisory Group – For the
third consecutive year, in lieu of
gifts to their clients, Roof Advisory
Group made a significant donation
to the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank’s annual Turkey Drive. Roof
Advisory’s donation of $5,000 was
used to purchase and distribute
nearly 400 turkeys to families in
need during the holiday season.
Roof Advisory Group, Inc. is a
leading investment management
firm based in Harrisburg. Roof
Advisory employees Kevin S. Roof,
E. Jeffrey Roof, Bradley R. Newman,
Andrew J. Crobak, and Ralph E.
Manna, III present Kendall Hanna,
Central PA Food Bank Executive
Director, with a check at Roof
Advisory Group’s offices.
Highmark holiday meal donation
– On December 13, Highmark Blue
Shield employees presented the
Food Bank with frozen turkeys and
all the trimmings for 60 complete
turkey dinners.
GIANT turkeys – Our great partners at GIANT Food Stores jump-start the Annual
Turkey Drive with a donation of 1,000 frozen turkeys. Volunteers assist Food Bank
staff and Christopher Brand, Community and Public Relations Manager for GIANT
Food Stores, unload frozen turkeys in the Food Bank’s Harrisburg warehouse. “The
fight against hunger is one of our core missions, and we are committed to ensuring
our neighbors, many of them children and seniors, don’t worry about where they are
going to get their next meal,” said Mr. Brand. “We hope this donation will spur others
to make additional turkey and monetary donations to the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank during this time of need.”
Capital Wine & Spirits – On November 22, Mark Littles, President, Capital Wine
& Spirits LLC, along with associates from Capital Wine & Spirits, PLCB and the
Harrisburg Senators, presented a check for $10,000 to Kendall Hanna, Executive
Director of the Food Bank. Capital Wine & Spirits LLC is one of the largest
wholesaler/brokers of fine wine and spirits in Pennsylvania and a member of the
Charmer Sunbelt Group. The donation enabled the Food Bank to purchase and
distribute more than 750 turkeys for the holiday season. More than 40 associates
from Capital Wine & Spirits, PLCB and Harrisburg Senators also volunteered at the
Food Bank that day, sorting and packing boxes of food. “We are fortunate to be able
to make an impact on our community in such a positive way,” said Mr Littles. “It is an
honor to be able to work closely with our partners at the Pennsylvania Liquor Control
Board. Far too many families in Pennsylvania are wondering where their next meal
will come from. It is important to me, as well as to our associates, that we are able
to give back and help those in need. By our actions, we hope that we can encourage
other companies, regardless of size, to support our communities as well.”
Visit our website at
Page 10
Volunteer Groups
AARP Chapter 4223
Girl Scout Troup 10631
Penn State
Schaffner Youth Center
Ahold Giant Carlisle Own Brands
Girl Scout Troup 10929
Penn State Alumni
SPUMC Elizabethtown
ALA
Girl Scout Troup 20711
Penn State Harrisburg
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Aldersgate
GlaxoSmithKline
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
Subway
Alpha Delta Kappa, Kappa Chapter
GS 986
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
T.L. Emerson
American Payroll Association
Hanoverdale Church
Trinity High School
American Water
Harrisburg ACAD
Pennsylvania Newspaper
Association
Ameriprise
Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club
Ann Chadwell
Harrisburg Senators
Boal Family
Harristown Development Corp.
Boy Scout Troops 240, 242
HDH Group
Business Executive
Networking Group
The Hershey Company
Capital Wine & Spirits
Cedar Shopping Centers
Central Dauphin
Ram Marching Band
Central PA Dietetic Association
Central Penn College
CH Junior Civic Club
CINTAS
Tristan Associates
Pennsylvania Realtors Association
Turner & Associates
PPL Electric
PRE Harrisburg
PSECU
United Concordia
Vietnamese Alliance Youth Group
Rettew
Webstaurant Store
Youth Works
The Hershey Company, QRC
Highmark
Highmark/PIM Dept
KDP – Penn State
Volunteer Spotlight
Lewisberry UMC
Love Chapel
Lower Dauphin High School
Lacrosse
D&H Distributing
Mechanicsburg Presbyterian
Church
Department of Revenue
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Eli Lilley
Merck & Co.
Elizabethtown College
Messiah College
Exponential Church
Nationwide Insurance
FOS Internal Audit
Norfolk Southern
Gannon University
Novarits
Giant/Ahold USA
Paxton UMC
Grants Provide
Much Needed Support
BJ’s Wholesale Club
C&S Wholesale Grocers
Citizens Bank Foundation
Franklin County Community Foundation, a
Regional Foundation of the Foundation for
Enhancing Communities
Highmark Blue Shield
Schneider Electric/Square D Foundation
Walmart
Wells Fargo Foundation
Names – Carol Baer, Darlene Conway, Keri Kemper,
Amy Kaufman, Carrie Deichman, Alisha Rohrbaugh,
Doug McLaughlin, Beth Anne Forrest, and Laurie Melvin.
Years volunteering – 1
The Northeast Human Resource team at Exel, Inc.
arrived at the Central PA Food Bank warehouse with
great enthusiasm and motivation to pack ElderShare
boxes. The boxes are for area seniors and contained
several canned goods, juices, noodles, cereal and more
great food. The team of nine volunteers packed 841
boxes in a little less than four hours. When all was said
and done, the team completed one pallet every 15
minutes, and moved about 24,000 pounds of food!
Quote – “We love knowing that we are making a
difference in the community. What a great feeling!”
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 11
Agency Spotlight
Fulton County Food Basket
In addition to being an ElderShare distribution site, Fulton County Food Basket, which has been in
existence since 1982, serves 140 families/345 individuals each month. Construction of a new walk-in
freezer/cooler has just been completed to help better serve the residents of Fulton County. In
addition to providing food, the Fulton County Food Basket also runs two programs for the community:
the Fulton Community Garden Program and the Fulton County Nutrition Awareness Program.
The Fulton County Garden Program provides a plot of land, seeds, fertilizer and tools for individuals to grow their
own vegetables. The local PA extension office offers expert advice to maintain the gardens. Last year, 46 people
took part in the garden program, with many of them donating extra fresh vegetables back to the Food Basket.
The Fulton County Nutrition Awareness Program provides nutrition education to families in Fulton County and at
all three senior center locations in the county. Nutrition education is also provided in a pre-school and after-school
program at Forbes Road Elementary School.
Mechanicsburg
ElderShare Fulton County Food Basket … Continued from Front Cover
in Fulton County for 22 years, and
now struggles with buying food and
paying his medical bills. “I just saw
my doctor two weeks ago,” said Willy.
“I have so many medical bills and I see
her about every 3 months. I said to
her, can you cut this down to twice a
year? If I can cut that down a little bit
then I’ll have a little bit more money
to handle some of the other bills.
This box really helps when I don’t
have the money to buy the food. At
least I’ve got this box to go to each
month, and I can count on it.”
With more and more seniors trying to
stretch their dollars, the USDA-funded
ElderShare program has become
essential for them each month. “I
feel their pain,” says Sherri. “A lot
of them are alone. They don’t have
family in Fulton County, so when they
come here, they feel that we’re almost
family, and that’s great. I love that we
can be like a family member for them
and help them out.”
Visit our website at
Page 12
A True Hometown Hero
Michelle Shreffler, Northern Dauphin Food Pantry
Coordinator, was recognized as a Hometown Hero during
the annual Northern Dauphin Community Family Fun Fall
Festival held this past September. The award, sponsored by
the Dauphin County Human Services Center, was awarded
to Michelle “for her efforts to provide exceptional services
while providing a dignified environment and assisting to
feed Northern Dauphin Residents.” Michelle was nominated
by Bonnie Kent, Northern Dauphin Human Services Center
Operations Manager, who had this to say about Michelle;
“Michelle goes non-stop when she is here. She has
superseded expectations of projected services, which has
doubled since the pantry opened. She does whatever is
needed to meet the needs. The pantry clients just love her,
as I always see Michelle assisting her clients to their cars with
their food and receiving hugs. Often we have clients who
also have appointments with other agencies in the building
and they will comment on how much Michelle means to
them or light up when they see her
walking through the center.” Here
at the Central PA Food Bank, we
know how Michelle goes above and
beyond for the families she serves.
As a part-time employee, Michelle
serves nearly 200 families each
month at the pantry, which opened
in 2009. Congratulations Michelle!
Blue Jean Fridays nets
Food Bank $500
Every Friday during 2011, K&W Engineers has
“blue jean Fridays”. Employees are permitted to
wear jeans to work on Fridays, with a donation
of $5. For the first six months of 2011, K&W
employees wore jeans 100 times, contributing
$500, and the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank was the charity chosen to receive the
donation. Pictured left and right is Thomas P.
Wilson, Principal and Marc Kurowski, Principal,
presenting the check to Brad Peterson, Central
PA Food Bank, at the office of K&W Engineers.
Thank you for helping hungry families in
central PA!
Welcome New Food Bank Staff!
Patricia Keammerer joined the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in September as a part-time compliance monitor for
our Harrisburg Kids Cafe® program. Pat, a recent retiree from the Harrisburg School District, brings a background with
strong skills in food safety and the requirements of federal meal programs to the Food Bank. Pat lives in Mechanicsburg
with her cats, Pugsley and Priscilla, and when weather permits, you can find her outside in her gardens.
Pamela Hicks began working at the Williamsport Branch of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in November 2011 as
the Programs and Events Coordinator. She most recently held a position with the Williamsport Salvation Army, serving
as the Social Service Director and Project Breakthrough Coordinator. Pamela is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of
Technology and she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandson, reading and cooking. She lives in
Williamsport with her husband, Dwayne, and two of her three sons.
Roger Kauffman was hired by the Food Bank in November as a part-time driver. Roger is responsible for the in-store
pick-ups at GIANT Food Stores, and also assists with other transportation needs. Roger is a lifelong resident of
Harrisburg and currently lives in Rutherford. Before joining the Food Bank, Roger worked in excavating, driving dump
trucks and bulldozers. Roger keeps busy attending to his rental properties and attending his son’s many activities.
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 13
Hunger Action Month Recap
Hunger Action Month, a national campaign to raise awareness of hunger, took place in
September, and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank had numerous events during the month.
Our activities kicked-off on September 1 at the Agency Relations Conference and ended with a
bang, or more appropriately, a “hey y’all”, with Paula Deen on September 30. In all, 34 events
were logged during the month of September, far surpassing the average number of events by
other Feeding America Food Banks (13 on average).
Partnering with GIANT and PSECU once again, we interacted with thousands of visitors to our
booth during Kipona weekend September 3-5. In conjunction with Kipona, our Community
Day with the Harrisburg Senators took place on September 4 in front of 4,809 fans. A pregame on-field interview, first pitch and radio interview during the game added exposure to
our display on the stadium concourse. Other highlights during the month included two Stuffa-Truck events with Unilever and GIANT that netted more than 900 pounds in food donations
at the Linglestown Road and Union Deposit GIANT Food Stores; a joint press conference with
Weis Markets and the EPA signing the Food Bank as an “Endorser” in the EPA Food Recovery
Challenge; the Capitol Hunger Garden wrap-up event held in the Capitol East Rotunda, with a
food drive sponsored by PARF; a very successful freeze flash mob held at the Strawberry Square
food court on September 22. More than 50 particpants froze in unison, all to bring awareness to
“stop” hunger in our area; and the end of month event with Paula Deen, Smithfield Meats and
Weis Markets was very well attended and received great media coverage. Smithfield donated a
truckload of ham and Weis made a check presentation in the amount of $62,000 from their Fight
Hunger campaign.
Harrisburg Senators
Community Day
Stuff-a-Truck event at
Linglestown Road GIANT
In addition to our events, HungerBites yard signs were placed in counties
far and wide, billboards were displayed in Dauphin, Cumberland, York and
Lancaster counties and our Community Food Drive Challenge netted more
than 17,000 pounds in donations, with the following companies/organizations
participating: Belco Community Credit Union, Beth El Temple, Chisuk Emuna,
GlaxoSmithKline, Harrisburg Senators, M&T Bank, Mid Atlantic Corporate FCU,
Momentum Fitness Center, Nationwide Insurance Company, Naval Support
Activity Mechanicsburg, Penn National Insurance, Pepsi, Temple Ohev Shalom,
and United Way Day of Caring. The newly designed HungerBites.org website
received nearly 4,000 “hits” during the month, averaging 131 “hits” per day.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated food or played a role in
the success of Hunger Action Month. Without you, our success would not
be possible.
Paula Deen poses with Food Bank staff
Capitol Hunger Garden wrap-up event
Freeze flash mob, posed in orange
HungerBites shirts, at Strawberry Square
Page 14
Rettew Makes Donation
to Food Bank
On Saturday, December 10, the Rettew Charitable
Foundation made a donation of $10,000 to the
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Making the
donation is (left to right) Rebecca Denlinger,
regional manager, RETTEW, Joe Arthur, Associate
Director Central PA Food Bank, Leigh-Ann
Fahnestock, Kim Howells, Lorie Reichert, Mark
Lauriello, Rettew President (partially hidden), and
Anthony Haubert. Rettew employees also made
donations of 6,210 pounds of food and $6,078 in
employee cash contributions throughout the year.
Thank you, Rettew, for your commitment to
fighting hunger in central PA!
Josh Ritter
Supports
Central PA
Food Bank
In October, national
recording artist Josh
Ritter read an article about the city of Harrisburg’s
financial woes. Since he had written a song titled
“Harrisburg”, he decided he wanted to do something
to help the area. Josh came up with a limited
edition t-shirt to sell, and all proceeds of the sale
come to the Central PA Food Bank. The results
have been astounding! In five weeks, 468 t-shirts
were sold, with a donation of $6,684.64 made to
the Food Bank! T-shirts are still available, so if you
like the looks of the t-shirt pictured, log on to Josh’s
website http://www.bluecollardistro.com/joshritter/
product_info.php?products_
id=6424&cPath=429_430&store=
and support the Food Bank with a
purchase. Thank you Josh!
Visit our website at
PinnacleHealth and GIANT Foods
Partner with Food Bank
Two of central Pennsylvania’s
most recognizable names,
PinnacleHealth and GIANT
Food Stores, have come
together to assist the Central
PA Food Bank in the fight
against hunger. On December
15, a check for $5,000 was
presented by Christopher Brand, Community and Public Relations
Manager for GIANT Food Stores (left) and Michael A. Young,
President and CEO for PinnacleHealth (center) to Kendall Hanna at
the Food Bank’s warehouse in Harrisburg. “Most of us enjoy three
meals a day, snacks, holiday dinners, and dinners at restaurants,”
stated Mr. Young, of PinnacleHealth. “Access to food is something
that we take for granted. Yet, for many, the lack of food is a fact
of their everyday lives. At PinnacleHealth, we are dedicated to
maintaining and improving the health and quality of life for all the
people of central Pennsylvania. We realize that access to food and
good nutrition are integral components of good health. That’s why
we are pleased to make this donation to the Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank in partnership with GIANT Food Stores.”
American Truck Historical
Society Donation
On the weekend of
September 22 – 25,
the American Truck
Historical Society
held its 7th Annual
Tri-State Antique
Truck Show at the
Frederick County
fairgrounds in Winchester, VA. The show is a joint effort
of the Shenandoah Valley Chapter of Virginia, the MasonDixon Chapter of Maryland and the Susquehanna Valley
Chapter of Pennsylvania and approximately 10,000 people
were in attendance to view the antique trucks, tractors and
fire engines. Pictured, left to right, presenting a check of
$3,000 is Dick Fetter, Merle Herr, Joe Arthur, Central PA Food
Bank Associate Director, John Hiestand, Susquehanna Valley
Chapter President, and Rodney Rhodes. The proceeds
from the event were split evenly between food banks in
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 15
The Hershey Company
Donates $250,000 to
Project Advancing Hope
Project
Advancing
Hope
In a ceremony on September 14, The
Hershey Company pledged $250,000 to
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s
Project Advancing Hope and presented a
check to the organization. The check was
presented by (left to right) Jennifer Goss,
Community Relations Manager for The
Hershey Company and Jim George, Vice
President of Corporate Social Responsibility
for The Hershey Company at the Food
Bank’s warehouse construction site, the
centerpiece of Project Advancing Hope, to
Kendall Hanna, Executive Director Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Project Advancing
Hope is going strong
and on-schedule.
Despite rain…
lots of rain…and
an unexpected
October snowstorm,
the warehouse
expansion project, the
centerpiece of Project
Advancing Hope,
has been completed.
Since ground was
broken on August
3rd, the building
has been erected,
the concrete floor
poured, lighting and
a sprinkler system
were installed, and
last, but definitely
not least, the racking
was set up. By the
end of December the
occupancy permit
had been granted and
the new 30,000 square foot warehouse now stores food. By adding this
warehouse space, the Food Bank will introduce new efficiencies that were
not possible in its prior configuration. Bar coding will now be utilized to
track inventory and increase efficiency when pulling orders, and assigned
storage space of food will also reduce time spent pulling orders and
enhance food safety.
August 2011
“During these economically challenging
times, alleviating hunger here in Central
Pennsylvania is more important than ever,“
said Mr. George. “The Hershey Company
and its employees have proudly supported
the Central PA Food Bank for many years,
and we are honored to help with the
important mission of Project Advancing
Hope through this donation of $250,000.”
“Project Advancing Hope is essential for
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to
fulfill our mission and serve the individuals
and families that are in need of food in our
communities,” said Kendall Hanna, Central
PA Food Bank Executive Director. “As
more of our neighbors turn to emergency
food, many for the first time, this donation
reinforces how incredibly dedicated The
Hershey Company is to our mission to
feed the hungry in our communities.”
September 2011
October 2011
November 2011
Phase two of the project is now underway, with new racking installed
in the freezer unit. Work will soon commence on the new, expanded
volunteer area and commercial grade demonstration kitchen and a clean
room for sorting food. Approximately 2,300 square feet of office space
will be added to the front of the current warehouse for the Food Bank’s
operations staff and a new, improved shopping area for our partners
will be constructed. The anticipated completion date for
Project Advancing Hope is April 15, 2012.
To see more photos of the project, from empty lot to today,
go to, flickr.com/photos/centralpennsylvaniafoodbank/
Save the Dates
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
events offer a wonderful opportunity
to sample food and support our
mission of Fighting Hunger, Improving
Lives and Strengthening Communities!
For more information
visit centralpafoodbank.org or
call 717.564.1700!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S Postage
PAID
Harrisburg, PA
Permit No. 828
3908 Corey Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5929
Friday, February 24
6th Annual Soup and a Bowl at
Genetti’s Hotel and Suites, Williamsport
Monday, March 12
19th Annual Soup and a Bowl at the
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill
Sunday, April 15
16th Annual Taste of Lancaster County
at the Lancaster Convention Center
Become a fan of the Central PA Food Bank
on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
(@foodbankguy & @centralpafb) to get regular updates!
invigorate your senses
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Lancaster County Convention Center
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
For Tickets & Pricing, call the Food Bank at 717.564.1700 or visit centralpafoodbank.org.
Sponsored by:
The official registration and financial information of Central Pennsylvania Food Bank may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Beer and wine tasting not contingent upon ticket purchase.