From Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank
This September, during Hunger Action Month, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is joining Feeding Pennsylvania and the nationwide Feeding America network in calling on Berks and Schuylkill counties to Play Your Part. As the cost of essentials like groceries and energy continue to put pressure on household budgets, everyone can take action to help ensure their neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive.
Across Pennsylvania, families are feeling the heavy pressure of rising food costs and tight budgets. Higher costs on everyday necessities mean more households are forced to make choices between paying rent, affording essential medicine, or putting food on the table. In response, an increasing number of Pennsylvanians are turning to local food pantries to help bridge the gap.
According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, over 1.7 million Pennsylvanians, including more than 500,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. 14.4% of people in Berks County and 14.9% of Schuylkill County residents have experienced food insecurity this year. That means roughly 1 in 7 of your neighbors is unsure of where their next meal is coming from – including nearly 25,000 children.
Everyone has a part to play in ending hunger. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, organize a food drive, grow fresh food, or simply help spread awareness, every action makes a difference for neighbors facing hunger. Members of the public, business leaders, and community groups are all encouraged to take action this month.
“Hunger in our community is real, and it’s growing – but so is our resolve to meet it,” said Jay Worrall, President of Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank. “This September, we’re asking our neighbors in Berks and Schuylkill counties to play their part. We are on pace to distribute 14 million pounds of food by the end of the year – and that is because of people who show up, give generously, and refuse to look away. Hunger is a solvable problem, and together, we can solve it.”
There are many ways to get involved locally this Hunger Action Month:
- Make a gift at helpingharvest.org/donate.
- Sign up to volunteer at helpingharvest.org/volunteer and give your time where it’s needed most.
- Wear orange – encourage an orange day at your workplace or school to raise awareness for hunger and funds for Helping Harvest.
- Round up your grocery bill at any GIANT between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 for proceeds to benefit Helping Harvest.
- Dine and donate at Chipotle, located at 2733 Papermill Road, Reading, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Use code fw7xfnr at checkout for mobile pickup orders or email marketing@helpingharvest.org to request a fundraiser flyer and support Helping Harvest.
- Get your car washed at Luxe Car Wash, located at 2232 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, to benefit Helping Harvest.
- Donate items to our partner CommunityAid, located at 5370 Allentown Pike, Temple. Mention our partner number ‘50178’ when you drop off your donations to benefit Helping Harvest.
- Follow our Hunger Action Month Calendar all month long for more ways to get involved this September.
About Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank
Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is the leading provider of food to people in need in Berks and Schuylkill counties. Helping Harvest delivers food to over 350 partners in its service area. In FY2026, Helping Harvest distributed over $22 million in food to neighbors in need. Helping Harvest is a Partner Food Bank of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. Visit HelpingHarvest.org to learn more.
About Feeding Pennsylvania
Feeding Pennsylvania is the state association of Pennsylvania’s nine Feeding America partner food banks serving all 67 counties across the Commonwealth. Our collective efforts support member food banks in securing food and other resources, raising public awareness about food insecurity, and advocating for effective anti-hunger policies with a unified voice. Together, Feeding Pennsylvania’s partner food banks distribute more than 237 million pounds of food each year through a network of nearly 3,000 local food pantries and partner agencies. By connecting food banks, farmers and producers, policymakers, and community partners, Feeding Pennsylvania helps build a stronger food system while ensuring Pennsylvanians facing hunger have access to fresh, nutritious food. Visit FeedingPA.org to learn more.
About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries, and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today — and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
