Military members, families in need receive food in Clearfield County

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — With inflation causing financial strain across the United States, many veterans are among those who are going hungry.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, one organization in Clearfield County held a military food distribution event to do what they could to help those in need. The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania handed out food at the DuBois Alliance Church parking lot.

In northwest Pennsylvania, nearly 18% of households receiving food assistance have at least one member who has served in the military.

The group is working to help support both active and retired military personnel and their families.

“Everybody’s going through some rough times right now and some struggling with food stamps being low. So being able to be out here and give those who are in need some extra food just makes us feel good, makes the neighbors feel good, and everybody’s just happy at the end of the day,” Alexa Hannold, A child feeding coordinator at Second Harvest Food Bank said.

According to Feeding America , 24% of active-duty service members were food insecure in 2020 and 1.2 million were a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Here are some of the most common reasons for insecurity for veterans:

• Low income (Disabilities and health problems may add financial strain to already tight finances)
• Trouble finding work
• Impact of military service (Both physical and mental conditions may make daily life a challenge)

The distributions take place on the second Wednesday of every odd-numbered month. In November, they hope to offer holiday staples like mashed potatoes and stuffing so that families they serve can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

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You can learn how you can help fight hunger or how to receive food on the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania website . Or you can learn more about SNAP and eligibility requirements here .

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