It is difficult to comprehend that in this day and age, in one of the most prosperous countries in the world, many people don’t have access to regular food sources.
The unfortunate reality is that millions of Americans will go hungry this holiday season, and this is especially true in rural Pennsylvania.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Feeding America, well over 1.5 million Pennsylvanians are routinely food insecure, including 436,000 children. That is, they lack access to consistent and nutritious food.
In an article posted by PAeats.org, Leigh Breen writes that food insecurity is everywhere and often goes unnoticed. Most people who experience food insecurity don’t show it and choose to suffer in silence because they are too embarrassed to ask for help. Research has shown that lack of consistent, nutritious food affects all aspects of life, including physical and mental health, and social well-being.
As we all know food is expensive — and the costs keep climbing. Currently, the average price of a home-cooked meal in Pennsylvania is $4.05 per person, which is the most expensive in history. Household costs for groceries average approximately $250-330 per week, and only half of those experiencing food insecurity in Pennsylvania qualify for SNAP, which is federal food assistance.
Rising post-pandemic costs have only made food insecurity problems worse. Families are running out of money before they can buy food or must choose between buying food or paying other bills like their mortgage or utilities. Many children, right in this area are forced to rely upon free school lunches just to have something to eat on a daily basis.
In Lycoming and Clinton counties, the amazing volunteers and staff of The New Love Center (TNLC) have been working tirelessly to fill this gap because they understand it is up to all of us to help our neighbors.
TNLC has a long history in the area. While it is headquartered in South Avis, it also oversees other programs, including The New Love Center Café, Pantry Choice, Elder Share, Military Shares, and the mobile pantry.
The New Love Center Café is open Monday-Friday at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and baked goods and then serves lunch from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Café’s staff is super friendly and does a great job offering nutritious and varied meal selections at no cost. In addition to the food, the Café offers a space where everyone feels welcome, and people go to socialize as much as they do for the food. The Café’s is located at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1407 Allegheny St. in Jersey Shore (Glover St. Entrance).
Pantry Choice Food Distribution, located at 263 Henry St., Jersey Shore (South Avis), is held on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, 3-6 p.m., and Saturday, 9-11 a.m. Clients of the pantry are given a grocery cart and essentially “go shopping” by selecting food items from shelves that will best serve their families. Food selections typically include fresh produce, milk, eggs, and non-perishable items.
Elder Share and CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) includes Senior Boxes for those over 60, which are also distributed at the food pantry during regularly scheduled times. This is an additional food box for senior citizens who meet financial guidelines.
Military Shares is run by the American Legion, George W. Pepperman Post #36 Home Associations Inc., with Melanie Rauch as the contact, where they distribute a box of food monthly to local veterans. Distribution is on the third Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Clients must bring a Military ID.
The New Love Center also operates a mobile food pantry. Staff and volunteers drive a large truck and trailer to rural communities that might otherwise have few food options and resources compared to more urban areas. The trailer acts as a sort of mobile “Pantry Choice” where clients can select items that best fit their needs. Pop-up locations include Renovo, Lock Haven, Cogan House, Muncy, and others.
How can you help, you ask?
Give Funds: Every dollar given to TNLC goes directly to helping those who need it most in our community. Visit http://www.thenewlovecenter.com/donating to give today.
Give Food: Food from industry partners and community food drives is vital to helping to feed thousands of people each year. Currently, The New Love Center is preparing for holiday distributions and, in addition to regular donations of canned goods and non-perishable items, is asking for sweet potato mix, canned pumpkin mix, cranberry sauce, and boxed stuffing mix. Items can be brought to the Annex located at 263 Henry St., Jersey Shore (South Avis).
Give Time: Volunteer your time and talent, individually or as a group, to help feed neighbors in need. Visit http://www.thenewlovecenter.com/volunteering to learn more.
For more information or if you would like to donate, please contact The New Love Center at 570-244-8838, visit thenewlovecenter.com, or like them on Facebook. Donation checks can be mailed to The New Love Center, 263 Henry St., Jersey Shore, PA 17740.
