Pennsylvania Awards $5.1 Million to Food Bank
The state's Neighborhood Assistance Program provides funds to help the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank address rising demand.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Pennsylvania has awarded $5.1 million in funding and goods to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank through the state's Neighborhood Assistance Program. The award supports the organization as it manages a surge in demand across 27 counties.
Why it matters
The funding addresses a sustained 44% increase in food insecurity over the last four years. It also offsets pressures from a 33% rise in grocery prices since 2019 and a 12% reduction in federal SNAP eligibility.
The food bank, which operated on a $130 million budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, has seen usage increase 10% since January 2025. This support comes as part of a $71.5 million statewide investment across 443 projects.
The players
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
This non-profit organization coordinates food distribution and anti-hunger advocacy across 27 counties in Pennsylvania.
Neighborhood Assistance Program
This Pennsylvania state initiative encourages business investment in community-based non-profit organizations through the provision of tax credits.
The details
Businesses contribute money and goods to the program and receive state tax credits in return to help bolster regional food distribution. The organization utilizes these resources at hubs like the facility on Scotch Valley Road in Hollidaysburg to serve local pantries.
Timeline
Grocery prices are tracked against a 2019 baseline.
Food bank usage is tracked since January 2025.
The food bank fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.
The report on the award was published on October 20, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Neighborhood Assistance Program incentivizes corporate philanthropy by offering tax credits in exchange for direct support of community non-profits. This structure creates a public-private partnership model that shifts social safety net funding from purely government-led spending to corporate-supported initiatives.
The $5.1 million in resources will bolster the supply of goods available to local pantries serving residents across 27 counties. This influx of support is intended to mitigate the impact of rising grocery costs for families struggling with current food insecurity.
The takeaway
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge as grocery price increases continue to outpace traditional assistance. Residents seeking support or those wishing to contribute can connect with local pantries to navigate available food resources.
Further reading
Learn more about the local impact of non-profit support on the Pennsylvania Philanthropy section.
More information
For more information on the organization's programs, visit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank website.
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