Throughout September, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank encouraged the community to contribute to its second annual Hunger Action Month Virtual Food Drive. To bolster collection efforts, Hunger Action Month Presenting Sponsor PSECU pledged to match the month’s total contributions up to $7,500.
The response from local individuals, businesses, and organizations was astounding. Coming in at $17,393, the total more than doubled the roughly $8,200 raised during the inaugural Hunger Action Month Virtual Food Drive in 2017. Coupled with PSECU’s matching contribution, the total soared to more than $24,800.
“It’s incredible to think about the positive impact this year’s Hunger Action Month Virtual Food Drive will have,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “With each dollar donated, the Food Bank is able to provide six healthy meals to those in its 27-county service area. That means that through this effort, the community has contributed just around 150,000 meals to those in need! In the credit union ‘people helping people’ spirit, PSECU couldn’t be happier to be a part of that amazing feat.”
“We truly appreciate PSECU’s generous contribution and amazing engagement as our Hunger Action Month Presenting Sponsor,” said Joe Arthur, Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Together, we promised that this would be the most exciting Hunger Action Month ever, and PSECU’s generous members truly helped us deliver on that commitment. The record-breaking amount raised by the Hunger Action Month Virtual Food Drive will make a world of difference to the one in nine people – and one in six children - in central Pennsylvania who are struggling with hunger.”
In response to the success of the 2018 Hunger Action Month Virtual Food Drive and to further strengthen year-round virtual food drive efforts, PSECU will support a second drive during the month of December, matching up to an additional $7,500.
“We understand that hunger doesn’t take a holiday – its ongoing in our communities,” added Smith. “So, to encourage continued support of the food drive beyond Hunger Action Month and to help those in need through the holiday season, on behalf of our 450,000 members, we’ll be matching donations up to $7,500 again throughout the month of December. Together, we can end hunger in our community.”
A virtual food drive is basically the same food drive concept we’ve always known – collecting resources for those in need – but with a twist thanks to smart technology. It is an online initiative through which individuals and groups can visit an interactive grocery store that simulates how monetary donations efficiently purchase food for hungry families, veterans, and seniors. Benefits of the virtual model include time savings for busy donors, no expiration dates on food stock, and a supply of funding that can be deployed as needed throughout the year. Learn more and make a donation at centralpafoodbank.org/donate/
In addition to virtual food drive donation matching in September and December, PSECU will provide the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank with a $10,000 sponsorship, bringing its combined contribution to a potential $25,000.