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The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania provides multiple services. In 2023, more than 19,000 low-income individuals received transportation services, bus passes, transport or support for vehicle purchase or repair, according to its annual report. (Adobe)

PA Community Action Agencies work to eradicate poverty

Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, enacted in the 1960s as part of a national "War on Poverty." It has made a big …

Since January 2023, about $85 million of the $154 million American Rescue Plan funds that Pennsylvania invested in the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program have been used to help more than 1,200 farmers improve their conservation practices. (Summit Art Creations/Adobe Stock)

More than fresh produce: PA farmers markets help local economies

This is National Farmers Market Week, but almost every week, fresh fruits and vegetables and local products attract customers to more than 8,000 …

The USDA claims its electronic tag requirements will prevent disease outbreaks and protect beef export markets. (Jackie Nix/Adobe Stock)

Smaller ranchers voice concerns about USDA electronic tag mandates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon require electronic eartags for cattle and bison that cross state lines. The USDA says its rule will …

Upon release from prison, Section 1115 waivers would offer individuals reentry services, case management, medication-assisted treatment and a minimum 30-day medication supply. (AliFuat/Adobe Stock)

PA aims to simplify health coverage for kids with Medicaid waiver

A proposed waiver would eliminate Medicaid issues by ensuring uninterrupted coverage for qualified children until they turn 6. If approved by the …

Black children are more than six times more likely to re-enter foster care than white children.<br />(Jade M/peopleimages.com)<br />

Report: Strengthening PA child-welfare system for kids, families

The 14th annual "State of Child Welfare in Pennsylvania" report is out. It shows some progress but also highlights ongoing areas of concern. Reports …

The report reveals that Pennsylvania is ranked 46th in the nation for public health funding, with $136 state dollars allocated to public health per person, less than the $183 per person national average. (Chinnapong/AdobeSTock)

Report: PA needs work on managing, preventing chronic conditions

Pennsylvania ranks 23rd among states for the overall health of Pennsylvanians in a new America's Health Rankings report by the United Health Foundatio…

Around 80% of voters, regardless of political affiliation, believe preventing cruelty to animals is a matter of personal moral concern, according to a Data for Progress poll. (Adobe Stock)

Local meat producers in PA rally against EATS Act

Advocates for locally controlled family farms in Pennsylvania say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill would gut states' ability to regulate the…

With 52,000 farms and 7.3 million acres of farmland, agriculture is a big business in Pennsylvania, accounting for approximately $83.8 billion in direct economic output and 280,500 jobs. (Kegfire/AdobeStock)

Farmer Education Bill to Tackle Impacts of Climate Change in PA

New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing …

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book noted Pennsylvania's average annual cost of center-based child care for a toddler was $11,346, or 10% of the median income for a married couple and 35% of a single mother's income in the state. (DenisProduction.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Ranks 22nd Among States in Child Well-Being

Pennsylvania ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children. It is 22nd overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

In the Keystone State, 474,000 cows produce more than 10 billion pounds of milk annually. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Money Geared to 'Keep Milk Local' in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania dairy processors and farmers can apply for grants to assist them with upgrading their facilities, as part of a larger effort to keep …

The number of Pennsylvanians considered food insecure grew to more than 1.77 million in 2020, largely due to the pandemic, according to Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

PA Food Banks Get Cash to Improve Cold Storage Capability

READING, Pa. -- Food banks in Pennsylvania have been a lifeline to families during the pandemic. Now, state officials are using an influx of federal …

Pandemic relief advocates are calling for an extension of the eviction moratorium and federal emergency rental assistance. (steheap/Adobe Stock)

PA Organizations Call for Action on COVID Relief

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- More than fifty advocacy organizations have sent a letter to Pennsylvania's congressional delegation urging immediate action on a …

Raising the maximum SNAP benefit 15% would make $490 million available in Pennsylvania over 16 months. (littlewolf1989/Adobe Stock)

Anti-Hunger Advocates Call for SNAP Boost

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With more people facing food insecurity during the COVID pandemic, anti-hunger advocates are urging Congress to increase …

The USDA says requiring a letter from the president be included with food given to needy families during an election campaign does not violate the Federal Hatch Act. (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

Hunger-Fighting Groups Raise Concerns about Trump Letter

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Anti-hunger advocates are expressing alarm at a new US Department of Agriculture requirement that millions of boxes of surplus …

Because of the COVID pandemic, one of every four children in the United States could face hunger this year. (Carlos David/Adobe Stock)

An Unusual Partnership Works to Feed Hungry Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A group battling childhood hunger has enlisted a major media company to help get meals to kids while schools are closed by the …

Food banks are critical community resources for families dealing with job losses during the pandemic. (astrosystem/Adobe Stock)

Grants to Help Underserved Communities in PA

PHILADELPHIA - Three community-based organizations have received major grants to help underserved Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 crisis. Funded …

Keeping in touch with loved ones through text or video chats can help fight feelings of isolation. (ulza/Adobe Stock)

Helping Family Caregivers Cope with Social Distancing

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With social distancing taking hold across Pennsylvania, family caregivers and those they care for can find help to stay safe and …

A new report confirms improving agricultural land-management practices will be critical to fighting climate change. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights Role for Farming in Slowing Climate Change

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new report says farming has an important role to play in fighting climate change. The Climate Change and Land Use report …

In 2017, SNAP benefits kept 3.4 million Americans out of poverty. (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr)

Proposed SNAP Rules: An "End Run around Congress?"

HARRISBURG, Pa. – After failing to get deep cuts to nutrition assistance through Congress, President Donald Trump wants to get them by changing …

More than 12 percent of Pennsylvania households have difficulty affording food. (USN/wikimedia commons)

Report Finds Millions in PA Still in or Close to Poverty

HARRISBURG, Pa. — More than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians still live in poverty, and another 3.5 million are near-poor according to a new report…

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto joined union organizers and workers to announce the contract agreement. (32BJ SEIU)

Pittsburgh Security Officers Win $15/Hour Contract

PITTSBURGH – Security officers in Pittsburgh are celebrating a new contract that, for many, almost doubles the pay and benefits they were …

Only 41 percent of eligible elderly households are participating in SNAP. (USDA)

Proposed Changes Called Threat to Food Security

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Congress is debating changes that would tighten access to SNAP, the federal nutrition program that helps 1.8 million …

Studies show that SNAP benefits help families purchase healthier diets. (TeroVesalainen/Pixabay)

Report Links SNAP to Lower Health Care Costs

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A new report links access to SNAP benefits to improved health and lower health care costs. The paper, published by the …

Research suggests higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are likely to reduce nutrients in food. (David Fulmer/Flickr)

Research Suggests Hunger a Side Effect of Climate Change

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A report that looks in depth at how climate change is robbing crops of nutrition says there will be more hungry people and …

The USDA's chief scientist manages about $2 billion for agricultural research and $1 billion for educational programs. (JSquish/Wikimedia Commons)

USDA Science Pick Called "Unqualified"

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A leading scientific organization says President Donald Trump's nominee to be chief scientist at the U.S. Department of …

In Pennsylvania, SNAP benefits help about 683,900 children each month. (USDA/Flickr)

SNAP is Working for PA Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Federal SNAP benefits give thousands of Pennsylvania children the foundation they need to grow into healthy adults, a new …

This Saturday, several Pennsylvania cities join GMO protests planned in 36 countries on six continents. (Rosalee Yagihara/Wikimedia Commons)

Pennsylvania Groups Call for Labeling GMO Foods

PHILADELPHIA - "Four simple words": That's what consumer advocates say they want to see on foods containing genetically modified organisms. On …

A new report says 67 percent of food cans tested had BPA in the lining. (USDA/Flickr)

Tests Find Toxic BPA in Linings of Food Cans

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Chemicals in the linings of most food cans may be dangerous to consumers. That's the finding of a new report just released by six …

Without a state budget, nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels for Pennsylvania seniors are running out of money. Credit: U.S. Aair Force.

Pennsylvania Budget Impasse Hurting Seniors

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The four-month budget impasse in Harrisburg is hitting services for seniors particularly hard. In some counties, state funds …

One out of five children in the Philadelphia area lives in deep poverty. Credit: Phillies1fan777/en.wikipedia

Ahead of Pope's Visit, Advocates Issue Call to Action on Hunger

PHILADELPHIA – When Pope Francis visits Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families later this month, advocates will issue a call to action …

A new report on hunger in the Philadelphia area finds that emergency food providers are challenged to keep up with the growing demand. Photo by Greg Stotelmyer.

Food Report: Hunger on Rise in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - Over the past year in Philadelphia one in four people faced times when he or she did not know where to find a next meal. Tom Mahon…

PHOTO: About one in five Pennsylvania children who qualify for free or low-cost school meals also takes part in summer feeding programs, according to a new report. Photo courtesy of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger.

More PA Children Accessing Summer Meals “But Not Enough”

HARRISBURG, Pa. - More low-income children are in feeding programs over the summer, but about 80 percent of those who qualify in Pennsylvania are not…

PHOTO: A new report from the Food Research and Action Center says slightly more than 15 percent of Pennsylvanians risk going hungry and don't always have enough money to buy food. Photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

In PA, One in Seven Risks Going Hungry

HARRISBURG, Pa. - One Pennsylvanian in seven risks going hungry, according to a new report, and that number is higher in places such as Philadelphia…

PHOTO: As a hunger-fighting strategy, the number of children getting breakfast in school is rising, but the figures in Pennsylvania are rising very slowly, according to a new national report. Photo courtesy Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger.

PA Treads Water on Serving School Breakfasts

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The number of kids getting breakfast at school has been rising nationally, but Pennsylvania has seen only a slight improvement…

Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop delivers healthy food to the Coalition Against Hunger. Credit: Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger

Eagles Fans Swoop In with "Green Light" Foods for Hungry Neighbors

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles just wrapped up a month-long online food drive in which fans could purchase healthy foods of their choice…

PHOTO: Walmart workers are continuing their push for labor rights on Black Friday this year, when Pennsylvania will see several protests as part of a national mobilization. Photo courtesy of AFL-CIO.

Black Friday: Workers' Demands Won't Go Away

PHILADELPHIA - Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has long been known as the kickoff of the holiday shopping season. Lately, Black Friday has …

PHOTO: Programs and services that work in tandem to help both children and parents in low-income households are the most effective at building strong families, according to a new report. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.

New Report Promotes "Two Generation" Approach to Family Well-Being

HARRISBURG, Pa. - New research shows the best way to help lower-income families become stronger is to provide programs that focus on both children …

PHOTO: Proponents of GMO food labeling say U.S. companies are already adding the information on labels of products sold in more than 60 countries. This is a label on American-made cake frosting sold in Australia. Photo courtesy Consumers Union.

Reading Labels: PA Lawmakers Learn More about GMO Foods

HARRISBURG, Pa. – It's on the November ballot in Colorado and Oregon, and today, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering it too – whether …

PHOTO: Elementary school students in Reading stop by kiosks parked near school entrances to get free, nutritious breakfast items to eat in their classrooms. Photo courtesy Food Research and Action Center.

More Pennsylvania Students Start Busy Days with School Breakfast

READING, Pa. - Homeroom is just a little "homier" in Reading elementary schools this month, as kids are now starting their days with a nutritious …

PHOTO: According to the Center for Rural Affairs, higher percentages of households in rural areas receive SNAP benefits than in urban areas or small cities. Photo credit: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr.

Study Finds Greater Rural Reliance on Food Stamps

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Oftentimes, the issue of hunger is associated with people in inner cities, where the cost of living tends to be high…

PHOTO: Efforts to encourage mothers to breastfeed babies are paying off, as 79 percent of moms in the U.S. begin by nursing their infants. Experts say the health benefits, both for women and babies, are many. Photo credit: California Dept. of Public Health.

August Marks National Breastfeeding Month in PA and Across U.S.

HARRISBURG, Pa. – In Pennsylvania and across the nation, August marks the start of National Breastfeeding Month. It has supporters touting the …

PHOTO: Fresh, healthy foods are the rule at a new food pantry in Philadelphia aimed at providing more nutritious fare for those in need. Photo credit: Eric Hunt.

New Food Pantry Model "Green Lights" Better Nutrition, Health

PHILADELPHIA - People in need who walk into a new kind of food pantry in Philadelphia are walking out with bags full of food they can be sure will be …

PHOTO: Most Americans underestimate the amount of sodium in their diets, which could lead to major health issues, according to the American Heart Association. Photo credit: lvimann/morguefile.com.

Pennsylvania, Do You Know Your Sodium Level?

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Even if you've put down the salt shaker, there's a good chance you're still getting too much sodium in your diet, which could be …

PHOTO: Four out of five Pennsylvania children who get free breakfasts and lunches at school are missing out on free summer meals, although they are widely available. Photo courtesy Share Our Strength.

For Pennsylvania Kids, There is Such a Thing as a Free Lunch

PHILADELPHIA – Each year, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania children get free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches at school, but during …

Hundreds of schools around the commonwealth took part in the Pennsylvania School Breakfast Challenge, in an effort to enroll more students in school breakfast programs. Photo courtesy of Share Our Strength.

PA Students Pass with Flying Colors in First School Breakfast Challenge

PHILADELPHIA - Summer vacation may be underway, but come fall more students than ever will be taking part in Pennsylvania's school breakfast programs…

PHOTO: Fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania will reach more low-income seniors through the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. Photo credit: Mary LaFrance.

A Fresh Approach to Helping PA Seniors Live Healthy Lives

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Putting wholesome foods on the plates of older Pennsylvanians who may not otherwise be able to afford them is the goal of an annual …

PHOTO: Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania children could get free breakfast and lunch at school if their schools took part in the Community Eligibility Provision. Photo credit: Share Our Strength

On the Table: More PA Schools to Offer Healthy Meals to All Students

PHILADELPHIA - It's estimated that one in six Pennsylvania households with children doesn't have access to enough food - and that while those kids qua…

PHOTO: Opponents of HB1576 warn it could be detrimental to species like the brook trout, by changing the way wild brook trout streams are designated in the Commonwealth. Photo credit: Daniel Mayer on Wikimedia Commons.

Striking a Balance to Protect Pennsylvania Wildlife

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Wildlife in Pennsylvania that needs special protection is the topic of discussion today for a state House panel debating a …

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PA: Hunger/Food/Nutrition