May 19, 2017 2 min read

The state’s current fiscal situation is downright scary. The latest projections have the state facing a budget shortfall of more than $1 billion for the fiscal year that ends June 30. No one envies our elected leaders who have to solve the problem.

Just like no one envies the family that has to sit down each night to an empty dinner table. That’s even scarier. But it happens far too often in Pennsylvania, where hunger remains an epidemic. Nearly 3 million residents turned to food pantries and meal-service programs last year to feed themselves and their families.

This puts enormous pressure on food assistance providers. Yet, funding for the State Food Purchase Program is now below 2006-07 levels, even as need rises.

The program is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and is one of the state’s most critical anti-hunger programs, enabling food banks to purchase and distribute food to low-income individuals and seniors.

Legislators and the Wolf administration have shown a shared commitment to fight hunger in the past. They need to find that same resolve this year. There isn’t a single community or legislative district that isn’t affected by hunger. That’s the kind of sustained effort we’ll need to address the enormous challenges facing food assistance providers and the millions of residents who rely on us for help.

Sheila Christopher

McMurray

Christopher is the executive director of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania.