BELLEFONTE — Centre County’s food banks are set to receive nearly $196,000 through the State Food Purchase Program, nearly double the usual increase to the county’s allocation thanks to changes in the state’s funding formula.

Centre County Adult Services Director Faith Ryan said the new formula, which weighs poverty levels more heavily than traditional benefit metrics, has significantly expanded food support for residents. The 135 day delay in the state budget, however, leaves them just six months to spend the money.

“This is a very unique year,” Ryan said Tuesday while introducing the contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to the commissioners at their regular meeting.

Although the changes are exciting, Ryan said they were not entirely unexpected. For about a year, the county had known that state-level groups, including large regional food security nonprofits, were lobbying to adjust the SFPP allocation formulas in ways that would benefit Centre County.

During that time, the county developed potential partnerships to ensure the money could be fully spent. Now that the changes are official, Ryan said they plan to engage these partners, though she declined to name them.

The updated formula continues to consider traditional benefits such as medical assistance enrollment, SNAP and unemployment, but for the first time factors in the federal poverty level, assigning it greater importance in determining allocations.

“Because of our student population in particular — not to say we don’t have poverty in Centre County, but that certainly always jumps our numbers in census counts — that has more than doubled our allocation for food in Centre County, which is really exciting,” said Ryan. “The trick is now we have just six months to spend it.”

Per the contract, the money must be spent by June 30, 2026.

Despite the time constraints, Ryan said she is confident the county can distribute the funds effectively.

“We did it in the pandemic when money was kind of coming from the sky for food as well,” she said. “So we’ll make sure our pantries are nice and stocked and that they will be all set for the holidays.”

One advantage of the grant is its flexibility, allowing purchases from local suppliers and even grocery stores, as long as costs remain within specified limits.

“We certainly appreciate the state and federal legislators and their staff for changing the formula so that we’re receiving a bit more money here in Centre County,” said Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins.

Commissioner Steve Dershem specifically thanked Sen. Wayne Langerholc, saying the boost will make a big difference for residents.

Commissioner Amber Concepcion noted the timeliness of the allocation.

“We’re seeing increased need at our food banks, is what I’ve been hearing from everyone involved,” said Concepcion. “It’s good timing to receive this extra.”