Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is calling on residents, businesses and community organizations across Berks and Schuylkill counties to help address food insecurity during Hunger Action Month this September.
The Reading-based food bank is joining Feeding Pennsylvania and the nationwide Feeding America network for the annual campaign, encouraging community members to “Play Your Part” through volunteering, donating, organizing food drives and raising awareness about hunger.
Helping Harvest said rising costs for groceries, energy and other necessities continue to put pressure on household budgets, leaving some families facing difficult choices between food and expenses such as housing and medicine.
According to data cited by Helping Harvest from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians, including more than 500,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024 — the highest level recorded since 2014.
Helping Harvest said 14.4% of people in Berks County and 14.9% of Schuylkill County residents are experiencing food insecurity, amounting to roughly one in seven residents across the two counties. Nearly 25,000 children are among those affected, according to the food bank.
“Hunger in our community is real, and it’s growing – but so is our resolve to meet it,” said Jay Worrall, president of Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank. “This September, we’re asking our neighbors in Berks and Schuylkill Counties to play their part. We are on pace to distribute 14 million pounds of food by the end of the year – and that is because of people who show up, give generously, and refuse to look away. Hunger is a solvable problem, and together, we can solve it.”
Throughout September, Helping Harvest is offering several ways for community members to participate in Hunger Action Month.
Residents can donate directly to Helping Harvest or sign up to volunteer with the organization. The food bank is also encouraging workplaces and schools to organize an “orange day,” with participants wearing orange to raise awareness and funds to address hunger.
From Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, shoppers at GIANT stores can round up their grocery bills, with proceeds benefiting Helping Harvest.
A fundraiser will also be held Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Chipotle, 2733 Papermill Road in Spring Township. Customers placing mobile pickup orders can use fundraiser code “fw7xfnr” at checkout.
Luxe Car Wash, 2232 State Hill Road in Wyomissing, will hold a fundraiser benefiting Helping Harvest on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Residents can also support the food bank by donating items to CommunityAid, 5370 Allentown Pike in Temple, and providing Helping Harvest’s partner number, 50178, when dropping off donations.
Helping Harvest said additional opportunities to participate will be highlighted throughout September as part of its Hunger Action Month calendar.