As Centre County anti-hunger programs experience increased need, 4th Fest organizers find ways to help
Since it opened three months early, the Centre County YMCA summer lunch program has fed thousands. But with kids off for the summer and families continuing to struggle amid the pandemic, hunger is still affecting the community, anti-hunger advocates say.
In an effort to support the feeding initiative, Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau announced a countywide food drive for the YMCA’s most needed items. Beginning Monday, businesses and individuals are asked to sign up as food collection points online; the drive will run from July 1-9.
“As our community continues to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, the 4th Fest Committee had a strong desire to do something to engage our community in supporting our community,” 4th Fest Executive Director Frank Savino said in a release. “4th Fest might look a little different this year, but we truly feel the best way to celebrate the birth of our nation and honor the spirit of the festival is for neighbors to help their neighbors.”
Collectors and volunteers will be asked to drop donations off at a designated warehouse from 9 a.m.-noon July 10-11. Additional donations will be accepted at that time as well.
“4th Fest is a time-honored family tradition in Happy Valley,” HVAB President and CEO Fritz Smith said. “Frank and the committee found a way for the show to go on in a great way and are starting what hopefully will become a new tradition even when the festival returns next year. This kind of dedication is what makes our community such a special place.”
Since March, Moshannon Valley YMCA Executive Director Mel Curtis said the hunger program has expanded and experienced an influx in volunteers, donations and community support from local businesses and restaurants. With a steady flow of participants in the summer meal program, Fresh Express distribution and meal delivery programs, the YMCA’s stock of food is starting to decrease, he said.
“This is huge for the anti-hunger program,” Curtis said. “We are lacking at this time in a lot of the items that we have requested for this food drive. Please pass the word on about this to your employees, family, friends and neighbors to make this a success.”
The YMCA is in need of canned goods, boxes of pasta, macaroni and cheese, bread, granola bars and other snacks.
Nonperishable food items may be dropped off at collection points, which will be published on the 4th Fest website. Organizers ask that food be brought in boxes to allow for an easier packing process.
While the traditional 4th Fest events have been canceled, organizers have planned a virtual community parade along with fireworks at four different locations in State College for viewers to safely watch from their own home.
