BELLEFONTE — In Centre County, one in eight children and adults face food insecurity.

But thanks to the work of charitable organizations like the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Pennsylvanians don’t have to go hungry.

To recognize the tireless work of those feeding the community, the Centre County Commissioners proclaimed September 2025 as Hunger Action Month.

Joining the proclamation to speak about the state of food security in the county was Katie Kerr, government relations coordinator for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

“We want to bring attention to the fact that food insecurity does exist everywhere in the commonwealth,” Kerr told the commissioners at their meeting Tuesday.

While Centre County’s food insecurity rates are comparable to, or slightly below, the statewide average, Kerr said the food bank’s research shows rates across Pennsylvania have climbed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In fact, rates of food insecurity have gone up- and consistently increase year over year even as we move farther into the post-pandemic era,” she said.

As of Sept. 1, new, stringent federal requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have taken effect, which the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank warns could also lead to increased hunger across the community.

“We are still monitoring exactly what those changes will look like within the commonwealth,” said Kerr. “Unfortunately, when we see benefits like SNAP being changed — with the work requirements and whatnot — those rates of food insecurity will continue to rise.”

Commissioner Mark Higgins acknowledged the generosity of the county’s residents in supporting local food banks but said he was troubled that many people still go hungry.

“The country is full of abundance, so it isn’t a pleasant thought that we have, here even in Centre County, one out of eight adults and one out of eight children who don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” he said.

Commissioner Amber Concepcion added, “This is a good opportunity to remind the citizens of Centre County to support their local foodbanks, whether that’s with the donation of food directly or cash donations.”

Kerr encouraged individuals interested in supporting the fight against hunger to find their local food pantry and offer financial or product donations, or volunteer their time.

“A lot of food pantries are in need of volunteers,” Kerr said, but noted that each food pantry will best know its specific needs.

Across the 27 counties served by the Food Bank, there are more than 1,100 soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and social programs.

To find your closest food pantry, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank offers a tool on its website at www.centralpafoodbank.org/find-help/find-food.

Concepcion also shared that, as part of Hunger Action Month, the State College Food Bank will host a benefit concert featuring A Great Big World at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8.

“If you’re interested in an opportunity to do something that’s fun and also benefits a really good local cause that works directly on hunger prevention, that concert is at the State Theatre on Monday,” she said.

For additional details about the work of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, visit www.centralpafoodbank.org.