The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is expanding its reach to ensure an additional 300 children each week have access to the food over the summer.

During the school year, many children receive consistent meals through school breakfast and lunch programs. When summer arrives, families across the region may face challenges to replace those meals. In northwest Pennsylvania, one in five children experiences food insecurity, and Second Harvest is working alongside community partners to ensure children continue to be supported.

Through its Summer Child Feeding Initiative, Second Harvest partners with local schools, food pantries, meal programs, and community organizations to provide reliable, nutritious food options for children and families. This includes keeping school pantries open throughout the summer months and distributing healthy, kid-friendly foods for children across the region.

This year, the initiative is growing through new partnerships with Church of the Ascension Food Pantry in McKean County, Kearsarge Area Food Pantry in Erie County, both Salvation Army Corry and Salvation Army Erie in Erie County, and Salvation Army Warren in Warren County.

“Summer is a time of opportunity and fun! Together with our partners, we’re ensuring children have the fuel they need to stay active, engaged, and ready to learn,” said Gregory D. Hall, chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.

To support the Summer Child Feeding Initiative make a donation online at www.nwpafoodbank.org. Individuals or families in need of food assistance are encouraged to contact the Food Helpline at 814-459-3663, ext. 117.