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Centre County proclaims September 2025 as Hunger Action Month after food‑bank presentation
Summary
The Centre County Board of Commissioners adopted Proclamation 41 declaring September 2025 Hunger Action Month after a presentation by Katie Kerr of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank highlighting local food insecurity and upcoming fundraisers.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners formally adopted Proclamation 41 on Aug. 29, 2025, declaring September 2025 as Hunger Action Month after a presentation from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The proclamation followed a briefing from Katie Kerr, government relations coordinator for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, who told commissioners that “in Pennsylvania, 1 in 8 citizens are food insecure and 1 in 6 children are food insecure,” and that Centre County mirrors that statewide adult and child rate. Kerr encouraged residents to use the food bank’s online “find food” tool or to call the organization for help locating local pantries.
The issue matters locally because food‑bank partners and pantries provide short‑term relief and help reduce very low food insecurity. Kerr said the food bank’s research in other counties shows that about 43% of pantry clients report reductions in very low food insecurity after receiving services. She also noted that changes to federal programs could raise demand for pantries and other emergency food services.
Commissioners used the presentation to highlight ways residents can help. A commissioner reminded residents that donations of money, grocery items and toiletries are all useful and pointed to a benefit concert at the State Theater on Monday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m. with proceeds benefiting the State College Area Food Bank. Kerr gave the food bank website as centralpafoodbank.org for people seeking information or to use the find‑food tool.
After discussion, a commissioner moved and another seconded adoption of Proclamation 41; the motion carried on a voice vote. The proclamation is a formal county recognition and does not itself allocate county funds.
The presentation also noted local partner programs such as Meals on Wheels and YMCA efforts that coordinate distribution and delivery, and encouraged volunteers and donors to contact local pantries directly to determine current needs.
Copies of the food bank’s county research were requested by a commissioner and Kerr said she would share the Centre County report when it is complete.
