Mission of Love expands food hub to combat regional hunger

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Economic Development Committee of Northampton County convened on November 7, 2024, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing community support and addressing food insecurity in the region. The meeting featured a detailed presentation from Mike Ortosky, a grant writer and volunteer for the Mission of Love Food Hub, which highlighted the organization's efforts to combat food shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ortosky began by outlining the critical role of the Mission of Love Food Hub, which serves several living facilities and school districts in the Slate Belt region, where approximately 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. He emphasized the ongoing struggle of low to moderate-income families facing food insecurity and the importance of the food hub's services.

The presentation detailed the collaborative efforts between Mission of Love and Second Harvest, which have led to the establishment of a regional food hub. This initiative aims to enhance food storage capacity and improve the distribution of food supplies to local pantries. Ortosky noted that the Mission of Love has successfully developed partnerships with food distributors, allowing them to secure a steady supply of donated food from various sources, including farmers and retailers.

Financially, Ortosky provided insights into the investments made by Northampton County, including a new refrigerated building costing $350,000 and various equipment purchases funded through grants. He highlighted the significant savings achieved by utilizing county resources, such as a new truck and forklift, which have streamlined operations and reduced transportation costs.

The committee members expressed their support for the Mission of Love's initiatives, recognizing the vital impact of the food hub on the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue fostering partnerships and exploring additional funding opportunities to further enhance food security efforts in Northampton County.

Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of community collaboration in addressing food insecurity and the ongoing need for resources to support vulnerable populations in the region.

Converted from November 7th, 2024, Economic Development Committee Meeting meeting on November 08, 2024
Link to Full Meeting