February 1, 2024 (LEMOYNE, PA)– Feeding Pennsylvania, Breweries in PA, PA Eats, PSECU, announced the most successful Hops and Vines for Hunger campaign to date. Hops and Vines for Hunger is a month-long statewide fundraising campaign throughout November aiming to raise funds and awareness around the growing need for hunger relief and nutrition education resources in Pennsylvania. Thirty-six small, locally owned breweries, wineries, cideries, and fermentories in Pennsylvania donated proceeds from beverages, events, and round-up campaigns to raise funds for the campaign. Due to the generous donations from Pennsylvania businesses and from the campaign Matching Gift Sponsor, PSECU, the 2023 Hops & Vines for Hunger campaign raised a grand total of $31,720.30. Since its inauguration in 2021, Hops & Vines for Hunger has raised almost $65,000.00 to support Pennsylvanians experiencing food insecurity.
Campaign proceeds benefit Feeding Pennsylvania’s nine member food banks, which serve Pennsylvanians facing hunger. “We’re grateful to our Hops and Vines for Hunger partners across the state for uplifting the philosophy of neighbors helping neighbors in their communities through this unique campaign,” says Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Julie Bancroft. “Their collective efforts made this the most successful fundraising year yet.”
A portion of the proceeds support the development of nutrition education resources created by PA Eats to help educate food-insecure Pennsylvanians on preparing simple, accessible meals with healthy ingredients commonly found in food pantries. Beth Archer, Executive Director of PA Eats, notes, “PA Eats was thrilled to once again be a part of the Hops and Vines for Hunger campaign. The funds raised will allow us to continue developing and distributing recipes through our Nourish PA series. These recipes use simple, affordable ingredients and ones that are commonly found in our state’s food pantries, ensuring every Pennsylvanian feels empowered in the kitchen and confident that they can make nourishing meals for themselves and their loved ones. On behalf of the individuals, families, and businesses we serve, we cannot thank everyone who has participated in the campaign enough; you are truly making a difference in our state.”
Hops & Vines for Hunger is a collaborative effort by Feeding Pennsylvania, PA Eats, and Breweries in PA. PSECU stepped in as matching gift sponsor for Hops & Vines for Hunger. “At PSECU we practice the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,” said Karen Rousche, Community Engagement Program Manager. “We care about our neighbors throughout the commonwealth and believe that access to food is a right, not a privilege. This year, we chose to match the funds raised by the campaign and were able to donate $15,860.15! It’s an honor to be a part of this annual event.”
For more information about Hops & Vines for Hunger, visit feedingpa.org/our-programs/hopsvineshunger.
About Feeding Pennsylvania:
Feeding Pennsylvania is a collaborative effort of nine Feeding America-affiliated food banks in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Feeding Pennsylvania’s member food banks span all sixty-seven counties and serve over 1.2 million people annually by distributing more than 164 million pounds of food to more than 2,700 agencies and feeding programs. The mission of Feeding Pennsylvania is to promote and aid member food banks in securing food and other resources to reduce hunger and food insecurity in communities across Pennsylvania and to provide a shared voice on the issues of hunger and food access.
About PA Eats:
Pennsylvania food, drink, and agriculture holds a special place in our hearts at PA Eats. Through the educational programming on PAEats.org, we put the spotlight on small and large producers, farmers and communities in Pennsylvania, giving our state’s food and drink culture the credit it deserves. We also feel strongly that as a platform about food in PA we need to help ensure that all our neighbors have the access and knowledge to eat well. Through innovative educational programming and our partnership with Feeding PA, PA Eats helps educate and inspire food-insecure Pennsylvanians to cook fresh, healthy, and affordable meals.
About Breweries In PA:
Breweries in PA is a digital promotion company that connects beer drinkers to the PA Craft Breweries they love. You can find out more about us at BreweriesInPa.com.
About PSECU:
PSECU is a full-service, digital-first credit union. And as a credit union, PSECU is member-owned and not-for-profit, which means fewer fees and more benefits for members. PSECU is committed to providing outstanding service to their members on a daily basis. It is PSECU’s belief that outstanding service evolves from certain value elements such as reliability, convenience, accessibility, trust, confidentiality, and a range of services that address members’ needs.