Behind every successful United Way Community School is a network of partners working together to support students and families. That's where the partnership between United Way Community Schools and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania comes in.
Together, the organizations support School Pantries and BackPack Programs across all 17 United Way Community Schools, helping ensure students and families have access to nutritious food in a place they already know and trust.
"Community Schools are trusted places where families already feel connected, making them an ideal place to provide resources. Without this partnership, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many children and families as we do today. It’s a great example of how partnerships help us to remove barriers and ensure food is available where it’s needed most." - Gregory D. Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.
It takes a Community
While Second Harvest provides the food, Community School Directors help make the connection. Because they know their students, families, and neighborhoods, they're able to identify needs and connect families with support in a way that feels welcoming and accessible. Those trusted relationships help ensure resources reach the people who need them most.
The impact goes beyond simply providing meals. Families can pick up food at their child's school without having to make another stop or navigate an unfamiliar system. Students also share feedback about the foods they enjoy most, helping Second Harvest continue providing items that families will use and children are excited to bring home.Looking Ahead...
We are excited about future opportunities to expand this work. One opportunity is bringing a Second Harvest Marketplace into United Way Community Schools, creating a grocery store-style experience where families can choose the foods that best fit their household. The Marketplace would offer greater access to nutritious options like fresh produce, milk, eggs, and meat while making healthy food even more accessible within the school community.
Another way United Way of Erie County is working to address food insecurity is through advocacy. We support state legislation that would allow unused, unopened food to be redistributed to students and families instead of being thrown away, as current regulations require.
What's Possible Through Partnership
At its core, this partnership shows what's possible when organizations work together. By building on each other's strengths, we're able to reach more families, remove barriers, and make resources easier to access where they're needed most.
"Addressing food insecurity isn’t something any one organization can do alone. It takes schools, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, donors, and community partners working together to ensure every child has access to the nutritious food they need. Our partnership with United Way Community Schools is a great example of what’s possible when organizations share a common purpose. Together, we’re able to reach more families, strengthen school communities, and ensure children have access to the food they need to learn, grow, and succeed." - Gregory D. Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.
Partnerships are at the heart of the Community School Model, and Second Harvest Food Bank is a perfect example of what's possible when organizations work together. By combining resources, building relationships, and meeting families where they are, we're creating stronger school communities across Erie County.