HARRISBURG – In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) joined local and state leaders to highlight the impacts of food insecurity in Pennsylvania and discuss the state’s efforts to address and raise awareness about hunger.
According to Feeding America, with a population of almost 13 million, one in eight Pennsylvanians (1.5 million) and one in six children (436,250) face some form of food insecurity.
“There is no county in our commonwealth that has been untouched by food insecurity,” said Vogel. “With many factors contributing to Pennsylvanians experiencing hunger, such as the rise in inflation and overall price increases, residents continue to face the difficult decision of choosing between paying their bills and purchasing groceries for their family. All our residents deserve to have access to quality, healthy food, and as a legislator I remain committed to supporting responsible initiatives that will make this a reality.”
Vogel and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20) lead the bipartisan Legislative Hunger Caucus and oversee the Capitol Hunger Garden.
The Hunger Garden has been operational since 2010 and is maintained by volunteers, Penn State Master Gardeners, and the Department of General Services. Hundreds of pounds of produce are donated annually to Downtown Daily Bread, which provides meals to the homeless in Harrisburg. This year alone, 426 pounds of produce have been donated with more expected as the season continues.
Other press conference attendees included Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; Pennsylvania Dept. of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh; Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft; Central PA Food Bank CEO Joe Arthur; and Hunters Sharing the Harvest Executive Director Randy Ferguson.
The state departments of Agriculture and Human Services play critical roles in providing nutrition assistance statewide.
“In a state where we have so much bounty, no one should go hungry,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Partnerships with Feeding Pennsylvania, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, and groups like Hunters Sharing the Harvest extend our reach to Pennsylvanians who need our help. The department connects more than two million Pennsylvanians annually with healthy local food through programs like the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and Local Food Purchase Assistance.”
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the dignity and peace of mind knowing where their next meal is coming from,” said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “Helping our communities affected by food insecurity requires public investment in anti-hunger initiatives and strong partnerships with agriculture organizations.”
Ferguson shared how his organization helps fight hunger through venison donations from hunters.
“Pennsylvania hunters are not just taking care of their families but performing a social service on a scale that may surprise you,” said Ferguson.
Last year alone, Pennsylvania hunters donated 262,000 pounds (about 7,000 deer) of venison equating to 1.3 million servings for those facing food insecurity in the state.
On the legislative front, various measures have been taken through state budgets to combat hunger effectively.
For further information or assistance regarding food insecurity resources available at both state and federal levels visit https://bit.ly/4g72rfD.
CONTACT: Abby Chiumento – 717-787-3076 (Senator Vogel)
Shannon Powers (Secretary Redding)
Natalie Scott (Secretary Arkoosh)
