Purpose/Background:

History
The State Food Purchase Program started in 1982 during the height of the recession to address the subsequent strains placed on volunteer charitable organizations for emergency food distribution during a time of increasing unemployment.

Purpose
The intention is to supplement the efforts of food pantries, soup kitchens, regional food banks, feeding programs, shelters for the homeless and similar organizations in their work to reduce hunger. Additional information regarding the State Food Purchase Program can be found at: www.pahunger.org/html/hunger/referenceguide.html

Services:

Program Services
Food may be used in serving meals or in providing groceries.

Service: DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO SHELTERS AND PANTRIES
The York County Food Bank, designated by the Commissioners, serves as the Lead Agency for York County. As Lead Agency, the York County Food Bank is responsible for written agreements with over thirty agencies and pantries throughout the county to ensure that all residents who are in need have access to meet this basic need. Member agencies order and receive State Food commodities from the Lead Agency. The Human Services Department acts on the behalf of the York County Commissioners in the administration of the program and monitoring of service of funds.

Provider
York County Food Bank

Consumer Eligibility
Residents of households receiving any of the following are eligible for this service: Unemployment compensation, food stamps, cash assistance, medical assistance or those whose household income is at or below 150% of the poverty level. Also eligible are those experiencing a crisis situation, such as fire. Applicants complete a Self-Declaration of Need form. Further information is available at: www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp

Restrictions
No food purchased through the program may be sold or offered for sale, or in exchange for property or services. The Lead Agency is responsible for services where there are gaps in the delivery of services. Priority is placed for purchase of readily consumable PA food products. Transportation, storage and related administration costs up to a maximum of 8% of the total county allocation are also allowable program costs.

 

Those who are homeless, low-income, or who are in a crisis situation are the primary recipients of this program.

Those who are homeless, low-income, or who are in a crisis situation are the primary recipients of this program.

Pennsylvania is one of the four states in the nation to fund with state revenues an emergency assistance food program for its low-income citizens.  This is the largest program of its kind and it reflects the Commonwealth’s determination to address the problem of nutrition and hunger.  Grants are allocated to the County Commissioners for distribution.

Pennsylvania is one of the four states in the nation to fund with state revenues an emergency assistance food program for its low-income citizens.  This is the largest program of its kind and it reflects the Commonwealth’s determination to address the problem of nutrition and hunger.  Grants are allocated to the County Commissioners for distribution.

Fiscal Year runs July 1  to June 30

Allocation:  $424,944

Allocations to counties are based on a formula that includes the county’s weighted percentage of unemployed, the number of Medical Assistance recipients and of Medical Assistance-eligible persons.

Fiscal Year runs July 1  to June 30

Allocation:  $424,944

Allocations to counties are based on a formula that includes the county’s weighted percentage of unemployed, the number of Medical Assistance recipients and of Medical Assistance-eligible persons.

For more information, contact the Human Services Department at (717) 771-9347 or humanservices@york-county.org

York County Food Bank
Telephone: (717) 846-6435
E-mail: fredf@yorkfoodbank.org
jonf@yorkfoodbank.org
Web site: www.yorkfoodbank.org

For more information, contact the Human Services Department at (717) 771-9347 or humanservices@york-county.org

York County Food Bank
Telephone: (717) 846-6435
E-mail: fredf@yorkfoodbank.org
jonf@yorkfoodbank.org
Web site: www.yorkfoodbank.org