In Northeast Pennsylvania, food insecurity is a growing issue. Rates here surpass both national and state averages, increasing pressure on food banks due to cuts in federal funding and rising costs. Inflation and higher food prices have made it harder for many folks to get enough to eat, especially with reduced support from programs like SNAP.
Recent statistics from Feeding America show that about 13.2% of Pennsylvanians face food insecurity. In some counties, the numbers are even worse: Luzerne County at 15.5%, Lackawanna at 15.1%, and Schuylkill at 14.4%. Nationwide, the food insecurity rate was 13.7% in 2024, according to USDA data.
Schuylkill Community Action (SCA) manages a food network consisting of 21 pantries in the region. They’ve faced challenges as Helping Harvest, a key partner, had to cut memberships with various pantries, affecting the food supply chain. Director Dave Young mentions that they are constantly adapting how they source food in response to these issues. The demand is high, and pantries are working hard to stay stocked.
Interestingly, it’s not just unemployed individuals who rely on food banks. Many working families are also seeking assistance as grocery prices soar. “We see more individuals with jobs coming for help,” says Helping Harvest coordinator Nikki Gum. This trend highlights how rising costs affect even those with steady incomes.
Demand for food assistance has risen steadily over the past few years. Some families who never relied on food pantries are now turning to these services. “Accessing food helps families stretch their budgets,” Young explains. SCA is adapting their approach to sustain support through community donations and partnerships.
Lackawanna County’s Catholic Social Services food pantry is feeling the heat too. Director Joliette Lyons notes that they struggle to meet nutritional guidelines while dealing with delays in funding. “We often repeat food items week after week because we are limited in what we can provide,” she says. Many families use the pantry as a supplement when their SNAP benefits fall short at the end of the month.
In Luzerne County, the Weinberg Regional Food Bank also reports increased demand, especially from families visiting for the first time. Director Gretchen Hunt points out that cuts in federal support make it challenging to keep up. “Community support will be crucial for us moving forward,” she adds.
The federal SNAP program faces significant changes after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed in July. New work requirements mean that many must engage in work, volunteer, or training for at least 20 hours a week to qualify. The act also shifts more administrative costs to states, which could lead to nearly $186 billion in cuts by 2035, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
As food insecurity increases, areas like Northeast Pennsylvania reflect a troubling trend: more families are struggling to make ends meet. According to experts, support systems need solid backing to adapt to rising demand, with community involvement becoming increasingly vital for the future of food assistance.
For more detailed information on food insecurity and its impact, you can check out resources from Feeding America and the USDA.
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