2013 Spring Food For Thought - Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

A Newsletter for Supporters of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Spring 2013
The Perks of Partnership
A few years ago, if you can recall the
1980’s and 90’s, a popular advertisement
for American Express had the tagline
“membership has its privileges”. The
implication was that certain rewards
were only available to exclusive
members.
At the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank,
we like to think our partners receive
substantial advantages too. The most
obvious advantage is in the food we
distribute. Partner agencies benefit
from the Food Bank’s buying power and
from the tons of food donated to us.
That food includes fresh produce, frozen
meat and dairy products typically not
associated with Food Bank fare. Because
we feel it is critically important to
distribute the healthiest food possible,
fresh produce is subsidized by the Food
Bank for our partners, generally costing
$0.25 per pound to the Food Bank, but
distributed at a cost of $0.01 per pound
to our community partners. These cost
savings that are passed along allow our
partners to stretch their budgets and
serve more people in their communities.
We at Abundant Life Center greatly
appreciate all you do for the hungry in
central PA. You’ve helped our church to
be a greater blessing in the community,
and at the same time, be blessed by
the people we are helping. Thank you
for everything that you and the staff
at the Food Bank do for the central
Pennsylvania region. ~ Sally Wallick,
Abundant Life Center, York.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
also assists partner agencies with
capacity building grants and other
financial assistance. Agencies
have been assisted with
coolers and freezers, racking
or shelving, food purchasing
and a variety of other items.
Other benefits include free
educational opportunities,
either in person at the annual
Agency Relations Conference,
at the Food Bank or online via the
Food Bank’s website. Partnership also
grants access to products from Feeding
America’s national partnerships with
companies like Target and Walmart.
Opportunities to interact with other
social service organizations such as
the Penn State Cooperative Extension,
Human Services offices, Community
Action Programs, etc. are also extended.
These are just a few of the many
examples of benefits received by our
partners. Membership does have its
privileges, and we are privileged to have
such wonderful partners! Through these
partnerships we are able to serve 46,000
of our neighbors in need every week.
I want to express appreciation for
the partnership between Bread of Life
Outreach (BOLO) and the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank. Your
organization has enabled us to assist
hundreds of families on a consistent
basis with much needed food supplies.
We are thankful for the many years
your generous and courteous team
in Harrisburg has worked with BOLO.
We look forward to continuing this
cooperative effort to alleviate hunger
in central Pennsylvania.
~ Pastor Gary Bellis, BOLO, Newport.
Inside This Edition
Executive Director’s Message.......... 2
Making Hunger Their
Business – Food Lion................... 3
Welcome New Food Bank Staff ....... 3
Tweet2Feed Benefits Food Bank ...... 4
PepsiCo Presents Check................... 4
Hunger Study –
Volunteer Recruitment................. 4
ArcelorMittal Donates $10,000........ 5
Trail Angel Helps the Hungry........... 5
Thank You General Mills................... 5
PSECU Donates................................ 5
Grants Provide Support.................... 5
Group Food Drives........................... 6
Deloitte Food Drive.......................... 6
Volunteer Groups............................. 7
Volunteer Spotlight –
Johnson & Johnson...................... 7
An Event-ful Season......................... 8
Gardeners Giving Back..................... 9
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive......... 9
Thank You
Mountain Lion Backpacks............ 9
Agency Spotlight –
Blanchard Church of Christ......... 10
Food Bank ElderShare Program...... 10
5K for Food.................................... 11
Central PA Food Bank Adds
New Board Members................. 11
Save The Dates.............................. 12
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 Comedy – Vice President
Jamie Strong – Secretary
Timothy Grunstra, CPA – Treasurer
Melissa Bard
Adam Campbell
Sean Connolly
Jim Curran
Margaret Delmonico
Bob Gillard
Kirk Hallett
Susan Hubley
Charles A. Linn
John Linnenbach
John MacDonald
Bridget Montgomery
Daniel Reisteter
Don Roth
Matt Schlosser
Tona Shaver
Doug Shuff
Patricia Wong
Executive Director
Joe Arthur
Editor, Food for Thought
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
Relationships are at the core of our mission, just as
they are at the center of all of our lives. As individuals,
our health and wellness depends very much on our
relationships with our loved ones, friends, neighbors,
and acquaintances. As we have all heard many
times, we are not islands, though we all forget that
sometimes.
The relationships we forge at Central Pennsylvania
Joe Arthur
Food Bank are vital to serving our neighbors in need,
Executive Director
not only now, but for the future. For our relationships
to flourish there must be a shared interest and
passionate desire to help Central Pennsylvanians in need. This is the powerful
bond between the Food Bank and our supporters, like the many companies that
generously donate food products that are essential in our quest to fight hunger.
Their donations of meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen and canned goods,
cereal, dairy products, and more are the foundation for fulfilling our mission.
Providing the nutritious foods that are the foundation of good physical health
enables us to help improve the lives of thousands of hungry neighbors each week.
Donations of money, time, and talent are equally important to our mission. Each
year, thousands of individuals, companies, foundations and other organizations
donate the funding needed to operate the Food Bank and purchase quantities of
food that cannot be readily acquired through donation. In addition, our individual
and group volunteers contribute each year thousands of hours of hard work and
priceless amounts of talent and dedication. Without these contributions, we
simply could not meet the need in our communities.
And finally, yet no less important, are our community partners – more than
700 pantries, kitchens, shelters, children’s programs, senior centers, and other
community organizations that serve families, seniors, and children in hundreds
of neighborhoods throughout Central Pennsylvania. Given that our community
partners rely so heavily on volunteer efforts, we are continually amazed at how
effectively they serve collectively over 46,000 individuals each week, far more
than we served a few years ago.
Building and growing relationships is vital in fighting hunger, improving lives,
and strengthening communities, but it is not work for the uninspired or those
with passing interests. We dedicate this newsletter to our mission partners who
not only inspire us, but nourish us, just as we all nourish our neighbors struggling
with hunger. We couldn’t do it without you!
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 3
Making Hunger THEIR Business!
Food Lion may not be a name many are familiar with when
they think of grocery store chains in our area. With just a
handful of stores in the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s
service area, all of them located in Adams, Franklin and York
counties, Food Lion may not have the name recognition
of other area stores. All Food Lion stores are encouraged
to partner with local food banks and make year-round
donations. Therefore, Food Lion is well known to the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank. In 2012, Food Lion was the second
highest donor of food to the Food Bank, with 1,367,845
pounds of food donated. That represents a donation increase
of more than 500% in the last five years. Since 1999, Food Lion
has donated a total of 6,313,943 pounds of food to assist the
efforts of the Food Bank here in central PA. Amazing numbers
indeed! The products donated are also not just typical nonperishable foods either. Donations often include frozen meats,
deli and dairy products as well.
As a proud citizen of their local communities, Food Lion has
made a commitment to support programs and organizations
that make a difference in the lives of their shoppers and
neighbors. Through corporate and foundation giving, local
programs and individual employee involvement, Food Lion
devotes millions of dollars and
countless volunteer hours to
help their communities grow
and prosper each year. Locally,
in addition to the donation of food,
Food Lion has also given financial support
to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in the form of event
sponsorships and grants.
Nationally, Food Lion is a proud partner of Feeding America.
“Food Lion continues to lead the supermarket industry with
new and innovative programs,” said Eric Davis, Feeding
America Director of Retail Product Sourcing. Food Lion was
“the first retailer to donate perishable products from retail
stores and have offered [its] experience with this program to
other retailers in an effort to help grow the program nationally.
Food Lion’s willingness to share their experience has led other
retailers to start retail donation programs.”
With a corporate commitment to fighting hunger both
nationally and in their neighborhoods, Food Lion plays a large
part in fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening
communities here in central PA.
Welcome New Food Bank Staff!
Chris Amos joined the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank staff
Chris Gray was hired in February as an Assistant
in November as a part-time Administrative Assistant. Chris enjoys
working with numbers and tracking financial contributions made
to the Food Bank. Chris has two teens, a son and a daughter,
and when not busy attending their sporting events she tries to
find time to cook and travel. Copenhagen and Santorini, Greece
are on her short list for destinations to soon visit.
Volunteer and Food Drive Coordinator. Chris has more
than 25 years experience working in distribution in a
variety of capacities. A native Californian, Chris moved
to Pennsylvania 17 years ago and married a local girl.
Chris, his wife, Deb, and their 2 children live in Camp
Hill. When not standing on the sidelines cheering
for his kids, Chris is an avid outdoorsman, especially
enjoying fishing and gardening.
Shea Saman became a member of the Food Bank staff in
January as Accounting Manager. Shea has a BS in Accounting
from Penn State Harrisburg, and is a CPA with additional
certifications in the areas of fraud and forensic accounting. He
previously worked at Kern and Company, P.C. in Camp Hill,
performing audits of several local not-for-profit organizations,
and most recently worked at PHEAA as an internal auditor.
Shea currently serves as Vice President of the West Shore
Kiwanis Club, and is an active member of the Pennsylvania
Institute of CPA’s. Shea and his wife Emily live in Paxtang.
Ruthanne Herzing joined the Food Bank in March
as the Special Events and Promotions Coordinator.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Ruthanne
holds a BA in Public Relations and previously worked as
a print journalist for The Daily Press in her hometown
of St. Marys, and later as a public relations specialist for
Milton Hershey School. She resides in Susquehanna
Township with her husband, Michael, and son, Joshua.
Visit our website at
Page 4
Tweet2Feed Benefits
Food Bank
Susquehanna Bank harnessed the power of social media
once again this holiday season to raise awareness and
donate 341,780 meals to food banks in Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia through its third
annual #Tweet2Feed virtual food drive.
During the campaign, which ran from November 1
through December 31, 2012, social media users were
encouraged to engage with Susquehanna on Facebook,
Twitter and YouTube to help spread messages about the
campaign. The bank donated 10 meals for each new
Twitter follower or Facebook “Like,” and 5 meals for each
retweet on Twitter, shared post on Facebook, or view of
the Tweet2Feed video on the bank’s YouTube channel,
giving everyone the chance to donate up to 35 meals with
just a few clicks.
“We are thrilled that we exceeded our Tweet2Feed
goal for a third year in a row,” said Alison van Harskamp,
Senior Vice President, Brand Communications for
Susquehanna Bank. “This year, we were able to donate
an additional 50,000 meals more than we donated last
year. It’s great to see the community stepping up and
reaching out to help us make this campaign a success
year after year.”
Susquehanna Bank’s partner food banks also helped
the viral campaign by posting messages on their Twitter
feeds, Facebook pages, and websites. The Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank was one of ten food banks in
Susquehanna Bank’s market territory that benefitted
from the campaign, receiving a donation of 140,130
meals. Pictured, Joe Arthur, Executive Director, Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank (left) is presented a check by
Crawford McFerran and Steve Butz of Susquehanna Bank.
PepsiCo Presents Check
On March 12, PepsiCo presented a check in the amount of
$10,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to support our
mission of fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening
communities. “This donation is another example of
businesses in our area striving to make our communities a
better place to live,” stated Joe Arthur, Executive Director of
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “This donation will provide
approximately 60,000 meals to people in need in central PA.
On behalf of those individuals, we are deeply grateful for this
generous contribution.” Pictured are (left to right) Tiffany
Novinger, HR Manager, Pepsi, Joe Arthur, Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank, Leslie Ferraro, Market Director, Pepsi, Chuck
Dunn, Sales Operations Manager, Pepsi and Laura Seitchik, HR
Coordinator, Pepsi.
Hunger Study – Volunteer
Recruitment
Feeding America and its network of
member food banks, including the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank, are seeking
volunteers to facilitate a nationwide study
of hunger. Between April and August 2013,
volunteers will engage with individuals receiving food assistance,
contribute to invaluable research on national hunger, and help
to effect positive change in their communities.
The data collected from the Hunger in America 2014 study will
be used to advocate for government assistance for hunger relief
programs, as well as to support fundraising efforts by educating
the public about the scope of services provided by food banks.
If you are interested in participating in the Hunger in America
Client Survey data collection, please register on our website
under the volunteer tab, centralpafoodbank.org/volunteer, or
contact Sarah McCree at [email protected]
or 717.564.1700.
centralpafoodbank.org
ArcelorMittal donates $10,000
ArcelorMittal of Steelton recently was awarded EnerNOC’s 2012
Keystone State Energy Conservation Award and chose the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank for the related $10,000 charitable
donation. Pictured are, left to right, Ken Schisler, EnerNOC, Bob
Siddall, ArcelorMittal, Larry Collins, Joe Arthur, Central PA Food
Bank, PUC Commissioner Pam Witmer, PUC Commissioner Wayne
Gardner, and Dave Wirick, General Manager ArcelorMittal.
Page 5
T hank
You!
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank would like
to acknowledge the General Mills Foundation
for a grant received in the amount of $20,000.
This grant will be utilized to partially underwrite
the costs of retrieving food from our food
donors’ locations and for delivering food orders
to the 60% of our member agencies that do not
have sufficient staff or transportation. Thank
you for supporting the mission of the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank!
PSECU Donates
Trail Angel Helps the Hungry
Bob Fromme, Jr. is known as a “trail angel”, someone who assists
hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Beginning last summer, Bob
has been supplying a full course meal in northern Dauphin County
for hikers making the trek along the trail. The meal, which is
free, includes beverages and dessert, and a chair to sit on and rest,
which Bob says is nearly as important as the food itself. For hikers
traversing the 2,200 mile trail, which begins in Georgia and ends in
Maine, a chair to rest your weary legs is greatly appreciated.
Bob, a member of the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, sets
up at a rest stop along Clark’s Valley Road between Dauphin and
Tower City along one of the more uninhabited stretches of the trail,
and has served hundreds of hikers. Why does Bob make this “trail
magic” happen? He has a deep respect for those that have taken
on this challenge. Having hiked various parts of the trail himself
he knows the physical and mental toll the hike takes, and the
commitment it takes to make the journey of six to seven months on
the trail.
Bob’s assistance doesn’t end with hungry hikers. Bob is a consistent
contributor to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank also. He says his
empathy for those in need comes to him by way of his grandmother
Sadie who shared food with the less fortunate. Despite her family’s
meager life, she would often make a large pot of soup to share
with others outside their home. By helping those that need food
assistance, whether it is a solitary hiker on the trail or a person
living one of our communities, Bob truly is a “trail angel”.
Barbara Bowker, Vice President of Marketing,
PSECU, presents Joe Arthur of the Food Bank
a check in the amount of $3,000. PSECU’s
Charity Committee raised funds through
various fundraising activities throughout
the year and the PSECU Board of Directors
matched the amount raised.
Grants Provide Much Needed Support
Ameriprise Financial
Armstrong
Darden Restaurants
The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation
Freas Foundation
General Mills Foundation
Josiah W. and Bessie H. Kline Foundation
McCormick Family Foundation
Norfolk Southern Foundation
PepsiCo
Schneider Electric – Square D
Wells Fargo
Visit our website at
Page 6
Group Food Drives
Thank you to the following groups and individuals for
conducting food drives! If you would like more information
on conducting a food drive, please contact Katie Wetzel at
717.564.1700 ext. 3198 or [email protected].
AACA Museum Wedding Show
Engineer’s Society of
Pennsylvania
Administrative Office
of PA Courts
Fairway Building Products
Ahold USA
Faith Presbyterian Church
Alex Almond
FedEx Freight
Allen Middle School
Figure Firm Total Fitness
for Women
Ann Chadwell
ARM Group, Inc.
First National Bank
Fitterer Chiropractic
Armstrong World Industries,
Procurement
Focused Business Solutions, LLC
Barbara Shade
Fresh Express
Barry Ryan
Friendly’s
Bev Jones
Girl Scouts Blue Mountain
Service Unit
Boscov’s
Boy Scout Troop No. 241
Broder Bros.
Bryce Amos
Campus Crossings at College Row
Carmax
Central PA Subway Development
Centric Bank
Chris Feather
CIBER, Inc.
Classic Communities
Comix Connections
Connie Wineland
Cooper Artley
Creekside Disc Golf Club
Curt Miner
Deloitte Consulting
Dennis Sheaffer
Department of Environmental
Protection
Department of State - BEI
Doc’s Family Fun Center
Downey Elementary School,
4th Grade
E.M. Paul
Emily Palkowetz
Food Drive
The Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank recently
received a donation
of 27,848 pounds of
food from Deloitte’s
Harrisburg-area offices.
The generous donation
exceeded Deloitte’s goal by more than 9,000 pounds!
For the seventh consecutive year, Deloitte’s Community
Service Council coordinated a friendly, yet fierce,
competition across two local offices to collect food
and funds to purchase groceries for the Food Bank.
Deloitte organizes the annual drive in February because,
historically, donations tend to decline after the holiday
season, but the need continues.
To date, the company has donated more than 100,000
pounds of nonperishable foods to the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank – the equivalent of more than
83,000 meals!
Gmerek
HACC Glass Club
Millers Mutual Group
Sandra Jo Barclay
Harry Borger
Modjeski and Masters Inc.
Shentel
Hershey’s Chocolate World
NARFE 102
Sherry Ayler
Hetrick Center
New World Pasta
Shiloh Church of God in Christ
Hope Springs Farm
PA Association of County Fairs
Silver Spring Township
Jan Zarick
PA Family Coalition
SOURIAU USA, Inc.
Jared Kleinberg
PA Human Relations Commission
Jeanne Howley
Pamela Heilman
Starbucks Coffee,
Capital City Mall
Joel Hersh
Patricia Moore
Johnson & Johnson
Penn State Hershey
Rehabilitation Hospital
Judy Smolick
Kathy Miller
Kensington Club Apartments
Keystone Arms Rental Homes
Kindergarten Academy
at Filbert Street
Kohl’s Cares Associates in Action
Kristi Kneas
Lenker Manor Paxtang
Women’s Group
Lititz Main Street Market
Lush 317 Hair Salon
Menchey Music
Middle Paxton
Elementary School
Pennsylvania Association of FFA
Pennsylvania Housing
Finance Agency
Susquehanna Township
High School
Susquenita Middle School FCCLA
Swanson Health Care Products
Swatara Church of God
Swatara Middle School
Pennsylvania Society of
Farm Women
The Pennsylvania State
University Cycling Club
Pennsylvania State Police
Thomas Nelson
PHEAA
Turkey Hill
Phil Foster
USDA WS
Pilgrim Commandery No. 11
Verizon
PinnacleHealth
Wells Fargo
PSECU
Wesly United Methodist Church
Public Consulting Group
Williamsburg Estates
Ridgeway Community Church
Worley & Obetz
Riverview Manor
Zachary Leister
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 7
Volunteer Groups
Volunteer Spotlight
Thank you to the following groups for donating
your time to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank!
If you would like information on volunteer opportunities,
please contact Katie Wetzel at 717.564.1700 ext. 3198
or [email protected].
Ahold/GIANT
Hope Springs Farm
Aldersgate
United Methodist Church
Isaac’s Famous Grilled
Sandwiches - Centerville
American Corporate Council
Johnson & Johnson
Beth El Temple
Key Impact Sales & Systems, Inc.
Bonefish Grill
Kiwanis Club of
Cumberland County
Boy Scout Troop No. 368
Caring Community
Church of God
Kohl’s Cares
- Associates in Action
Carmella
Linglestown Life United
Methodist Church
County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania
Linglestown Middle School Junior National Honors Society
Crump Life Insurance Services
Lower Dauphin
Men’s Lacrosse Team
Cumberland Valley Varsity
Girls Soccer Team
Customer Value Partners
Department of Revenue
- PA Lottery
Eckert Seamans
Ecumenical Retirement
Community
Members 1st
Federal Credit Union
Mid Penn Bank
Middletown High School
Middletown School District,
The Arc of Dauphin County
NASCO
Elizabethtown Area
High School Key Club
Nationwide - Commercial
Underwriting
Elizabethtown College
(MLK Day of Service)
Next Gen Disciples
Family Ministries
Elizabethtown College CCEDL
Panera Bread
- Southern PA Managers
Elizabethtown College
Harrisburg Alumni Association
Johnson & Johnson
Volunteers – Angelica Bautista, Geoffrey Betrus,
Rachel Corcoran, KC Hagin, Meghan Kelly, Danyll
Lockett, Steve Miller, Jordan Mojra, Debbie Moser,
Duy Nghiem, Christine Schultz, Abby Sinclair and
Ashley Wolf.
Quote –- “As my wife’s grandfather is a beneficiary
of the Central PA Food Bank, it was great to meet all
of the wonderful and dedicated people that serve our
community.”
“The day was extremely rewarding knowing we were
able to help so many people … I can’t wait to go back
and do it again.”
“I really enjoyed our trip to the Food Bank! It was great
working with our team towards a common goal, and
learning how the food bank operates and maintains
all of the food. Glad we could help in packing food for
those who are in need and I definitely hope to go back
and help again in the future.”
“Thank you for a great day; it was great to see how
much we could accomplish together as a Team, and
even better to know that we helped those in need
because of our work.”
Parkside Dentistry, P.C.
ESI Power Corp
Paxton Presbyterian Church
Rite Aid
FedEx Freight - Managers
Paxton United Methodist Church
Sovereign Bank
Fellowship Study Group Church
Youth Group
Pennsylvania Association of FFA
Squash ACES
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
Starbucks Coffee,
Capital City Mall
Girl Scout Troop No. 10532
Girl Scout Troop No. 10799
Goodwill Industries
Harrisburg High School
Highmark
PPL Electric Utilities
PSECU
Ridgeway Community
Church of the Brethren
Susquenita Township Schools
Adventure Based Education
The Dowell Group
Tree of Life Lutheran Church
Trinity High School
Subway Café Group
Walden University
Susquehanna Township Key Club
Wilson College
Curran Scholars Program
Susquehanna Valley
Evangelical Free Church
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Visit our website at
Page 8
An Event-ful Season
The Central
Pennsylvania Food
Bank recently held
its two annual Soup
& a Bowl events. On
February 22, the 7th annual Williamsport Soup & a Bowl
was held at the Genetti Hotel and Suites. This year’s event
had a Mardi Gras theme and, once again, both seatings
were sold out with more than 300 people in attendance.
Patrons were served a variety of delicious soups, breads
and desserts, were entertained by the Williamsport Area
High School Jazz Band, enjoyed a pottery demonstration
by Williamsport Area High School students, bid on silent
auction items and those attending took home a beautiful
hand-crafted keepsake bowl. Top-level Potter Sponsors
for the event included ConAgra Foods, M&T Bank, PMF
Industries, Sam’s Club and Susquehanna Bank. Other
sponsors included Turnkey Construction, Inc., Danville
American Legion Post 40, GIANT Food Stores, Hudock
Moyer Wealth Management, NDH Automotive, Woodlands
Bank, Albright Life, C&E Containers, Janney Montgomery
Scott, LLC, Lift, Inc. and West End Bible Fellowship.
On March 11, the 20th annual Harrisburg Soup & a Bowl
was hosted by the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg. With a
St. Patrick’s Day theme, nearly 600 attendees enjoyed a
light lunch of soups, breads and desserts, while pianist
Nate Carabello, fiddler Joseph McAnulty and Irish dancers
entertained. Valerie Pritchett of ABC 27 served as Master
of Ceremonies, and students from Harrisburg Area
Community College provided a pottery demonstration, a
silent auction and raffle was held and patrons took home
a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl. Karns Quality Foods and
Susquehanna Bank were the top-level Potter Sponsors.
Other sponsors included Food Lion, AFSCME District
Council 90, Eckert Seamans, Morefield Communications,
Pepsi Bottling Company, Swiss Premium Dairy, Sun Motor
Cars, Wolf Furniture, RecoupIT, Inc., Boyer & Ritter,
Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz, New World Pasta and
PinnacleHealth.
On Sunday, April 14, the Lancaster County Convention
Center hosted the 17th annual Taste of Lancaster County.
Approximately 800 attendees sampled the delicacies
provided by more than 30 area restaurants, caterers
and beverage purveyors. Each vendor supplied a 1-2
ounce sample of their featured menu items to those
in attendance. The Taste of Lancaster County was
made possible by the support of numerous sponsors.
Susquehanna Bank was the top level Master Chef Sponsor
for the event. PSECU was the Executive Chef Sponsor
and Rodgers & Associates was the Sous Chef Sponsor for
the event. Expediter Sponsors for the Taste of Lancaster
County included Dr. Joan M. Ruffle, Lawn Equipment Parts
Company (LEPCO), GIANT Food Stores and QVC. Other
Sponsors included Lift, Inc., Cooper Booth Wholesale,
Costco and High Company. Media Sponsors were WGAL
TV-8, 92.7 WRKZ Classic Rock and The Rose 101 FM. Host
Sponsor was the
Lancaster County
Convention
Center.
Entertainment
was provided by
Jazz Me Band,
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, AJ Peterson & John Shank
acoustic guitar duo, and Meta4.
Combined, the two Soup & a Bowl events and the Taste of
Lancaster County raised more than $90,000 to help feed
hungry families in central Pennsylvania. Thank you to
everyone who contributed to making our events a success!
Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Taste of Lancaster County and Soup & a Bowl events. The
18th annual Taste of Lancaster County will be held Sunday, April 6, 2014. Williamsport Soup & a Bowl
will be held February 21, 2014 and Harrisburg Soup & a Bowl will be March 17, 2014.
centralpafoodbank.org
Gardeners Giving Back
It soon will be time to start
tilling the soil and planting
your annual garden. If you
would like to help people in
your community with some of
your harvest, the Gardeners
Giving Back program is
designed to connect gardeners
to their local hunger relief
agency. By planting an extra
row you can share your
bounty with individuals in
your community who are not able to afford fresh produce for
their table. By visiting our website at centralpafoodbank.org you
can find a food pantry or soup kitchen in your community that
will gladly accept any fresh produce you can donate. For more
information, please contact Jorja Barton by phone at 717.564.1700,
ext. 3184 or by email at [email protected].
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Slated for May 11
On Saturday, May 11, local letter carriers
throughout central Pennsylvania will once again
be collecting non-perishable food donations
left by mailboxes and in post offices. The food
items will then be delivered to the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank as part of the 21st
annual Stamp Out Hunger
Letter Carriers National Food
Drive. The effort by letter
carriers represented by the
National Association of Letter
Carriers (AFL-CIO), with the
help of rural letter carriers,
other postal employees and
numerous other volunteers has
resulted in the delivery of over
one billion pounds of donations
to community food banks and
pantries over the last 20 years.
Please make a note on your
calendar to leave food for your
letter carrier on May 11!
Page 9
Thank you Mountain
Lion Backpacks
The following letter was received by
Heather Little, Founder and Coordinator of
Mountain Lion Backpacks in Altoona. Now
in its second year of operation, Mountain
Lion Backpacks has doubled the amount of
students it serves, with 232 students receiving
a backpack each week. Mountain Lion
Backpacks is one of 50 backpack programs
in 11 counties served by the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank. Last year, 42,400
backpacks were distributed to approximately
2,500 children at the 50 backpack programs,
the equivalent of 265,000 meals.
First off I’d like to say thank you! I believe
you are making a huge difference in these
kids’ lives. What you and your volunteers
do is an example of the humility and hope
these kids need. You truly help change
bad situations and circumstances these
kids endure every day. I would like to
say thank you again. I would also like
to let you know that my kids will no
longer need to receive the Mountain Lion
backpacks. We greatly appreciate all you
provided for our family.
Great work Heather and everyone that
helps combat childhood hunger in our
communities!
Visit our website at
Page 10
Agency Spotlight
The people at Blanchard Church of
Christ saw a need in their community.
They felt a commission to serve
their neighbors in this small corner
of Centre County, so they opened a
pantry. At first they were supplying
all the food through donations from
their congregation. Then someone
from a pantry in a town several miles
away told them about the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank. They
became a partner agency in May, 2012.
Blanchard Church of Christ
households. When they first joined,
they were serving 64 households,
comprised of 134 individuals. Today,
in their pantry alone, they have
doubled their outreach and are
serving 119 households, consisting of
308 individuals.
By partnering with the Food Bank,
Blanchard Church of Christ was able to
serve a significantly larger number of
Wanting to do even more for their
community, the volunteers at the
pantry asked to also be a site for
a Fresh Express program. Once a
month, a truck from the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank delivers fresh
produce, deli and dairy items, as well
as some beverages and other products
to the church in Centre County.
Through this program alone, we
partner to reach over 300 individuals,
with hopes to help supplement
the work that the great people at
Blanchard Church of Christ are
already doing.
Erie
Warren
Tioga
Potter
McKean
Bradford
Susquehanna
Wayne
Crawford
Forest
Elk
Venango
Mercer
Clinton
Clarion
Lawrence
Williamsport
Montour
Snyder
Northumberland
Cambria
Juniata
Blair
Westmoreland
Perry
Carbon
Northampton
Lehigh
Dauphin
Harrisburg Lebanon
Berks
Bucks
Montgomery
Huntingdon
Cumberland
Washington
Lancaster
Bedford
Greene
Pike
Monroe
Schuylkill
Mifflin
Indiana
Allegheny
Lackawanna
Luzerne
Union
Centre
Clearfield
Armstrong
Wyoming
Columbia
Jefferson
Butler
Beaver
Sullivan
Lycoming
Cameron
Fayette
Somerset
Fulton
Franklin
Adams
Chester
York
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank ElderShare Program
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s expanded ElderShare program has now been in existence
for nearly three years. The ElderShare program, with the financial backing of the USDA and
private contributions, provides a box of vitamin-fortified food to more than 5,000 seniors each
month through 160 distribution locations in the Food Bank’s service territory. The box each
participant in the program receives contains a variety of food including: reduced-fat milk, instant
non-fat milk, canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, cheese, rice, pasta, fruit
juice and cereal. The retail value of each box is approximately $50, and thus far the total value of
the boxes supplied has surpassed $5 million dollars.
Philadelphia
Delaware
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 11
5K for Food
Looking for a good workout that will help families in our area? Then
lace up your running shoes on June 16 for the 193d SOW Benevolent
League’s 3rd annual charity run and walk. This year’s event will
be held on Harrisburg’s City Island and will begin at 9 a.m. at the
Riverview Pavilion. Registration for the event is $25 and you may
register online at active.com or at [email protected] or TSgt
Roberts at 717.948.2451 or SMSgt Hawkins at 717.948.2231. Last year’s
event raised $1,199 for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Adds New Board Members!
Three new board members - Susan Hubley, John
MacDonald and Dan Reisteter - have joined the allvolunteer board of directors of the Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank. The group began their three-year term on
January 1, 2013.
Susan Hubley is Director of Community Affairs,
Central Region, for Highmark, Inc. Ms. Hubley manages
all aspects of the corporation’s grant making and
community outreach programs. In her 24-year career
with Highmark, Ms. Hubley has held various positions
within the Community Affairs area. She holds a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Communications, Journalism and Public
Relations from Shippensburg University and also serves
on the board of directors of the Cultural Enrichment Fund
and the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, and is an active
member of various committees for the United Way of the
Capital Region.
John MacDonald is Director of Marketing and
External Communications for GIANT Food Stores, with
headquarters in Carlisle, PA. Mr. MacDonald directs
GIANT’s marketing, public relations and community
engagement activities. He holds a Bachelor of Science
Degree in marketing from Bloomsburg University and a
Masters Degree in Business Administration from Lebanon
Valley College, and serves as an adjunct professor at
both Elizabethtown College and Delaware Valley College
in the continuing education Undergraduate and
Graduate programs.
Dan Reisteter is Vice President, Government Relations
for the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. Mr. Reisteter
is responsible for implementing the Association’s state
government relations program and advocate activities,
and identifying legislative and regulatory issues impacting
the banking industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Political Science from the University of
Scranton. Dan has served on the Board of Directors of
the Commonwealth Cornerstone Group since 2004. The
Commonwealth Cornerstone Group is a mission-driven
nonprofit established by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance
Agency to enhance, strengthen and revitalize low-income
communities throughout Pennsylvania and to stimulate
economic opportunities for low-income residents through
the creation of jobs, enhancement of wealth and the
provision of services within these communities.
Stepping down from the Food Bank Board at the
conclusion of her six-year term is Tracy Pawelski, VP
External Communications and Community Relations,
Ahold USA Retail. Tracy exudes a passion for fighting
hunger and she was instrumental in initiating GIANT
Food Stores’ meat donation program, which has resulted
in more than 600,000 pounds of meat products donated
since the program began. In addition to normal board
activities, Tracy served as chair of the Marketing &
Communications Committee.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Board of Directors
is comprised of a maximum of 24 community volunteers
that meet bi-monthly and are responsible for the
management of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s
business and fiscal affairs. Each Board Member may serve
a maximum of two three-year terms on the board. With
the addition of these three Board Members, the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank board has 22 Board Members in
place at this time.
Save the Dates
Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank events offer a wonderful
opportunity to support our mission
of fighting hunger, improving lives
and strengthening communities!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S Postage
PAID
Harrisburg, PA
Permit No. 828
3908 Corey Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5929
For more information
visit centralpafoodbank.org or
call 717.564.1700.
April - August
Hunger in America 2014 Study
September
Hunger Action Month
Friday, September 13
Agency Relations Conference
Become a fan of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@centralpafb)
to get regular updates.