OUR MISSION & HISTORY
The HAFP’s mission is to provide emergency food assistance to people residing in the greater Harrisburg area. We are one of the largest food pantries in Dauphin County in terms of volume of people served and are one of the few that provides access to emergency food assistance at least five days per week. We are proud to be one of the oldest, continually operating food pantries in central Pennsylvania. The HAFP is a volunteer-led organization with our Board of Directors and other volunteers working closely with our part-time Executive Director. We thrive as a result of financial, food, and volunteer support from valued partners, including churches, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.
Founded in 1972 as a result of the emergent food insecurities many faced
following Hurricane Agnes, the Ecumenical Food Pantry was founded by members
of Messiah Lutheran Church and other local churches. As the Harrisburg Area
Food Pantry, we look back on our founders, donors and supporters with great
respect and admiration with a commitment to continue their legacy of serving
our neighbors in need.
The HAFP does not discriminate on basis of race, color,
national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or any other characteristic
protected by law.
OUR ORGANIZATION
The HAFP is a volunteer-led organization. Our Board of Directors provides primary oversight and leadership to the organization, working closely with our Executive Director. The HAFP could not serve community members in need without our team of approximately 150 volunteers. We are always looking to grow the ranks of our much valued volunteers!
SOURCES OF FOOD & COSTS
The majority of the HAFP’s food supply is obtained from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, with a significant portion of our operating budget tied to state and federal grant dollars to be spent there. We also receive food from Midwest Food Bank. We receive food and personal items as well as money to purchase those items through generous donations.
SERVICE STATISTICS
U.S. Census data indicates that the poverty rate among Harrisburg City residents is 26.5%, representing 13,285 individuals . Dauphin County has a food insecurity rate of 11.4% which represents 31,330 individuals according to data provided by Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, the EFP distributed food to more than 3,750 households and approximately 12,700 individuals. In the first six months of the 2022/2023 fiscal year, we already have served over 3,900 households and over 14,000 individuals.
CHARITY STATUS & ACCOUNTABILITY
The Harrisburg Area Food Pantry is a tax-exempt organization operating under Messiah Lutheran Church’s IRS section 501(c)(3) status while it awaits final approval of its own 501(c)(3) status.