In Pennsylvania, nearly 1.7 million people struggle with food insecurity, while over 6,000 farms closed between 2012 and 2017—a trend that continues at an alarming pace. Bridging the gap between local farmers and those in need of fresh, nutritious food remains a significant challenge for the state’s charitable food system. Factors such as cost, distance, time, and lack of awareness often prevent vulnerable families from accessing the abundance of Pennsylvania’s agricultural resources.

The charitable food system in Pennsylvania is a complex network driven by the efforts of countless well-intentioned individuals. They work tirelessly to redistribute surplus food—from unharvested crops and expired grocery items to unused meals from universities and restaurants—to those in need. However, food insecurity stems from deeper systemic issues that this system alone cannot resolve. 

Community-led organizations, including small family-owned farms within the hunger relief network, face systemic inequities that perpetuate the very challenges the charitable food system seeks to address. The community-led organizations—essential to combating hunger—are chronically underfunded, under-resourced, and undervalued. Operating on shoestring budgets, they rely heavily on volunteers and donations to survive, leaving them stretched thin in the fight against hunger.

Large food banks dominate the conversation about hunger and receive the bulk of funding from governments, corporations, and foundations. After six decades of centralized oversight, smaller nonprofits have struggled to address the root causes of hunger. 

A 2024 GAO report commissioned by Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn Thompson, titled "Charitable Food Assistance: USDA Can Enhance Guidance and Improve Program Performance Assessment," highlights a critical issue: the lack of accountability in how USDA funds are used within food banking systems. Meanwhile, Food Bank News reported that in 2023, Pennsylvania’s 13 largest food banks generated $492 million in revenue. Yet, community-led organizations across the state are struggling or shutting down due to a lack of resources and staff. 

We urge the Pennsylvania Food Council and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to ensure a fair distribution funding between food banks, community organizations, and small family-owned farmers. We need local solutions that address economic development, resilient food systems, fair wages, and community-led initiatives. 

We call on the Pennsylvania Food Policy Council to allocate funding for a comprehensive, university-led assessment of food and nutrition security across the state in 2025. This evaluation must be thorough, inclusive, and impartial, providing actionable insights that drive meaningful change. 

Now is the time to listen to our communities, address the unique challenges they face, and tackle the deep inequities in our food system. Combating hunger demands unity, collaboration, and bold solutions that prioritize inclusion. Together, we can create lasting, sustainable progress and ensure no one is left behind.