AUTHOR: Faith Ryan, Director | Centre County Government, Office of Adult Services
One of several programs administered by Centre County Government’s Office of Adult Services is the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP); funding that is allocated to eight food pantries in the county: Bellefonte Faith Centre, Centre Hall/Potter Twp., Penns Valley Community Action, Philipsburg Community Action, Snow Shoe/Mountaintop, Howard, Housing Transitions, Inc., and the State College Food Bank. Last fiscal year, these food pantries collectively served 3,399 individuals with SFPP funds. That said, the number of families who are over-income for state-purchased foods, but in need food assistance to overcome a temporary crisis, continues to increase.
While food pantry clients receive a variety of items, there are products that cannot be purchased with state dollars and/or food pantries run out of quickly. Donation ideas include: Cereal, canned fruit (in 100% fruit juice), low-sodium canned vegetables, 100% fruit juice, condiments, baking products (flour, sugar, baking soda, etc.) personal items (toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap), detergents, cleaning supplies, and paper products.
For those interested in making a donation to our network of food pantries during the holiday season, we thank you. Donations can be dropped off at the Toys for Tots unregistered site at Hills Plaza (between Giant Foods and Firestone/behind McDonald’s), 2137 & 2139 South
Atherton St., State College, PA 16801 during the following days/times:
Thursday, December 19th: 1:00pm-6:00pm
Friday, December 20th: 9:30am-6:00pm
Saturday, December 21st: 9:30am-1:00pm
On behalf of our department, we are grateful for our generous community members and all food pantry staff and volunteers who put in the extra time to make this program so successful.