How to Access Emergency Food Assistance During COVID-19 Mitigation
Given the statewide mitigation efforts in Pennsylvania to prevent spread and exposure to COVID-19, the PA Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Food Assistance offers the following guidance regarding how to access emergency food assistance if you are experiencing food insecurity for any reason related to COVID-19.
Who is eligible to get food from a food bank or food pantry?
If you are out of work without pay, you are eligible to receive food sourced from the state and federal government from a food bank or food pantry in Pennsylvania. This includes service workers who are unable to get shifts or hourly wage employees of non-essential businesses that have voluntarily closed due to COVID-19 mitigation. You will be asked to verbally complete a
Self-Declaration of Need form, as signatures have been temporarily waived due to COVID-19. (Forms are also available in
Spanish and
Russian.) You will be asked to provide your household size and weekly income level as of the day you apply.
Will food banks be open?
Food banks are open and delivering food to many agencies, including pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. Please call or visit the website of your regional food bank to be directed to agencies in your community. Many food banks are also doing special drive-through distributions. Please call for more information.
Where can I find a food bank or food pantry near me?
Central Pennsylvania Food BankOpens In A New Window (serving Adams, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union and York counties)
How do I get food from a food bank if I can't leave my house because I am under isolation or quarantine?
If you or a family member is under isolation or quarantine, contact your local food bank to see if they have options to deliver food. If you are concerned about potential exposure, there are steps you and food banks can take to limit risk. The PA Department of Agriculture sent
guidance to all food banks encouraging them to follow best practices to limit risk of exposure.
What do I do if my local food pantry is closed?
You can go to another food pantry in your area, using the links above. We recommend checking with your local food bank to ensure other local food pantries are open.
How will students access meals while schools are closed?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education offers information on accessing meals on its
website.
For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit
agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit
on.pa.gov/coronavirus.
