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Elk County launches Military Share food distribution for veterans; organizers announce schedule and eligibility
Summary
Elk County and Second Harvest launched a Military Share food distribution targeted to veterans and military families; the first distribution on March 25 served about 32 households and future dates through November were announced. Organizers said Act 27 (2023) excludes VA disability from income calculations.
Elk County officials and Second Harvest Food Bank on April 2 described a new Military Share program aimed at delivering fresh, nutritious food to veterans and their families in need.
Jerry Capella, director of Elk County Veterans Affairs, said the county’s Veterans Advocacy Network helped design the program and secured a grant from the Stackpole Foundation to start operations. "Our first military food share was March 25 — 33 families pre-registered and 32 households attended," Capella said, adding that initial no-shows likely mean the program will grow as awareness spreads.
Greg Hall, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, described the Military Share as part of Second Harvest’s Produce Express model and said the food bank distributed about 355,000 pounds of food in Elk County last year, roughly 300,000 meals. "The Military Share is built specifically for veterans, active-duty service members and their families who are struggling," Hall said. He said the program is drive-thru style and depends on local volunteers and partner sites such as the Christian Food Bank in St. Marys.
Jerry Capella and program staff outlined eligibility: the Military Share follows the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture income guidelines, extends access to surviving spouses, and — citing Act 27 of 2023 — excludes military disability compensation from income calculations. Capella said organizers will rely on local intake and Second Harvest processes to confirm eligibility and link veterans to services.
Organizers announced the upcoming distribution dates (fourth Wednesday of odd-numbered months): May 27, July 22, Sept. 23 and Nov. 25, with distributions set for 11 a.m. at the Christian Food Bank drive-through in St. Marys. Second Harvest provided a local contact line (814-459-3663, ext. 117) for referrals and questions.
The county called out the volunteer base and partnerships as key to the program’s viability. "It really does take a village," Hall said, noting roughly a dozen local veterans volunteered at the first event. County officials urged residents to refer veterans who may benefit from the service.
Next steps: organizers will continue outreach, monitor demand, and report back to the commissioners as the program expands.
