Wolf Administration Packs Lunches for Older Pennsylvanians

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published September 29, 2018 4:21 am
Image

HARRISBURG, Pa. – On Friday, Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne joined the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to help sort fresh produce and pack boxes for the senior food program.

“Hunger Action Month is about inspiring people to do just that: take action, and the volunteers and employees who pack these boxes understand that hunger has a real day-to-day impact on older Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary Osborne. “Recognizing that we are all members of the communities we serve, we are pleased to partner with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and its provider network to address senior hunger.”

“Today we packed 180 food boxes that will go directly to low-income seniors in need of food assistance,” said Adam Peterson, who manages the senior food program. “We here at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank are always thrilled to have Secretary Osborne’s support as we tackle food insecurity among seniors.”

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger reports seniors who are food insecure have diets that are less nutritious, endure worse health outcomes, and experience a higher risk for depression. Research has shown that when seniors participate in programs that address food insecurity, they become more independent because of improved nutrition status and overall health.

In September 2016, Setting the Table: Blueprint for a Hunger-Free PA was developed to address hunger in PA and respond to Governor Wolf’s executive orderestablishing the Governor’s Food Security Partnership. The Partnership includes the departments of Aging, Agriculture, Community, and Economic Development, Education, Health, and Human Services. The blueprint was developed in collaboration with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and other public, charitable, and private leaders in food security.

Through increased collaboration and coordination, the Wolf Administration has worked with public, charitable, and private organizations to address hunger in Pennsylvania.

In fiscal year 2017-18, the Department of Aging, through local meals programs, provided over 8.9 million meals to older Pennsylvanians.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s meal programs, visit www.aging.pa.gov/meals.

Recent Articles

Community Partner