WellSpan Health has announced a $275,000 contribution to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, aiming to provide the equivalent of 1 million meals to residents in Central Pennsylvania. The initiative comes as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is expected to lapse due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which could leave many low-income families without crucial food assistance.
SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income households afford nutritious food. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, nearly 2 million people in the state rely on SNAP benefits.
Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan, stated, “As the region’s leading non-profit health system, we’re committed to the health of the communities we serve, ensuring food is on the table for those in need across Central Pennsylvania. Our mission and our responsibility as a non-profit health system guides this important effort because lifelong wellness starts with the most basic of necessities.”
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank CEO Shila Ulrich commented on the impact of the shutdown: “The shutdown has created anxiety for neighbors we serve and our partner food pantries. We know that many, many more people are going to need our help. We talk to neighbors on SNAP who rely on us for necessities to just get through that final week at the end of the month. If they don’t have SNAP benefits, they will need their local food pantry even more. WellSpan’s gift is not only incredibly generous but could not come at a more crucial time.”
Earlier this year, WellSpan reported investing over $1.5 million in efforts to reduce food insecurity as detailed in its Community Impact Report. In 2024, WellSpan screened nearly 400,000 patients for challenges related to food, housing, and transportation, and connected those in need with services.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank operates across 27 counties, covering all areas served by WellSpan in the state. Each month, it reaches about 253,000 people by working with over 1,000 charitable organizations to manage and distribute food throughout the region.
More information about WellSpan’s community initiatives is available at https://WellSpan.org/about/Wellspan-in-the-community. Details about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank can be found at www.centralpafoodbank.org.
