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Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, the Feeding America-affiliated organization that serves Schuylkill County, announced it will reorganize its services in the county starting in November, citing significant funding challenges.
According to the organization, changes to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are expected to reduce available food resources by as much as $11 million annually over the next decade.
To adapt, Helping Harvest conducted a county-wide analysis of need and available resources, which will guide changes in how food is distributed. The group said some sites currently receiving support will no longer be served, with resources redirected to areas identified as higher need.
Despite the adjustments, Helping Harvest emphasized that it remains committed to supporting residents facing food insecurity. The organization said it expects to continue serving more than 100 distribution sites and to provide more than $4.5 million worth of food resources in Schuylkill County this year.
As part of the reorganization, Helping Harvest will place greater emphasis on programs serving children and seniors. This includes expanding initiatives such as the School Pantry Program, the Weekender Program, the Maternal Health Program, and deliveries of fresh and frozen foods to senior residential communities.
In a statement, Helping Harvest said the restructuring aims to ensure the most efficient use of limited resources while continuing to meet growing community needs.
Residents interested in learning more about Helping Harvest’s programs or supporting its work can visit helpingharvest.org.