Clinton Commissioners hear food bank impacts
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LOCK HAVEN -- Through a contract between Clinton County and the Central PA Food Bank, thousands of residents have been fed.
The board of commissioners heard about the food bank's operations after it unanimously approved a participation statement from a State Food Purchase Program. The program would pass grant funding through the Central PA Food Bank in an effort to assist those in need in the county.
Tara Davis, the food bank's director of agency services and outreach, broke down what the food bank does for residents of Clinton County.
Davis said the food bank has 18 partner agencies in Clinton County, with seven of those falling under the food purchase program.
In the previous fiscal year, Davis said nearly 94,000 pounds of food was distributed to those partner agencies. That wholesale cost comes out to $180,176.64.
"For every dollar we received, we can turn it into a $4 meal," Davis said. "We really can stretch those dollars, which is amazing."
According to Davis, 832 households were served food on average through the seven partner agencies with its food pantry services. And 581 meals were served a month at its soup kitchens.
The food bank and its partners often push "foods to encourage" such as fruits, vegetables and other healthy meals, Davis noted.
"We're looking at those partners serving 70 percent of those meals - that are fresh, nutritious foods," she said. "We're really proud of the partners we have in Clinton County. We're looking forward to continuing to build that relationship."
Davis said, although the food bank serves 27 counties, it treats each one uniquely.
She said a new initiative is being created to pinpoint specific needs of communities throughout its 27 counties, including Clinton County.
"We'll be able to really dig down to a zip code level to make sure that our partners can reach those areas," she said.
Board Chair Miles Kessinger offered his praise of the food bank's work.
"I want to thank you for everything you do for Clinton County. It's greatly appreciated," he said.
In other business the board:
-- Heard an update from Vice Chair Jeff Snyder about the potential stop of STEP, Inc.'s Pre-K program. At the board's work session Monday, Snyder said the 156 could lose their chance at the program due to forecasted layoffs. The layoffs, Snyder said, would be caused by the state's budget remaining unsigned. On Thursday, Snyder said he heard from STEP officials that the program was moving ahead as planned, with the organization shifting funds to accommodate. "I'm very glad to hear that, so the 156 kiddos that were affected by that will have a Pre-K program," Snyder said.
-- Approved a letter of intent to the Department of Economic Development for a county-wide EMS study to gain a general understanding of the support needed for the county's emergency services providers.
-- Approved a resolution to submit a Multi-Modal Grant application to the Department of Community and Economic Development for engineering and permitting for the Flemington/Bald Eagle Green Bridge project. The project, which has been in the works for some time, would assist in creating a pedestrian walkway at the bridge.
-- Approved a Child Welfare Information System data sharing agreement between the county and the PA Department of Human Services, and a transportation agreement between Susquehanna Trailways, LLC and the county, for the Reach Out Mentor Program's trip to Washington, D.C. Both agreements were for Children and Youth Services and would be paid for through grant or ROMP funding. In other CYS matters, the board entered an agreement between the county and Avanco International, Inc. for a Child Accounting and Profile System at a cost of $20,000.
-- Approved two liquid fuels requests from Lamar Township - $580.29 toward the annual lighting costs at the Auction Road Interchange; and $1,277.26 for the annual lighting costs at the Salona interchange.
-- Appointed Derek Caris to the Clinton County Sewer Authority to complete a term left by Roland Weaver. The term will expire Dec. 31, 2023. The board also appointed Deana Myers to the Clinton County Redevelopment Authority to complete a term for Albert Jones. The term expires Dec. 31, 2023.
-- Hired Alyssa Brezler as a family centered services case manager in Children and Youth Services at a salary of $38,080. According to Assistant Director Tristan Rock, this marks a full staff in the department.