Our PROGRAMS
Through our six direct distribution programs we provide additional avenues of access to nutritious food to thousands of children, families, veterans, and seniors in Mercer County who are unsure of where their next meal will come from.
The BackPack Program
The BackPack Program provides bags of child-friendly, nutritious food for children to take home for the weekends. The program serves nearly 1,000 elementary and middle school children in 10 school districts throughout Mercer County.
MilitaryShare
MilitaryShare provides 9 annual private food distributions for veterans and military personnel and their families at designated sites throughout Mercer County. Participation in this program is fast growing, currently serving over 600 individuals.
PA Senior Food Box Program
The PA Senior Box program is a nationwide, federally funded program that provides low-income seniors with the food they need. The PA Senior serves 450 senior citizens at 31 sites across Mercer County. To qualify, seniors must have an income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level based on household size.
PA Senior Box Income Qualifications
| Family Size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,954 | $1,580 | $365 |
| 2 | $25,636 | $2,137 | $493 |
| 3 | $32,318 | $2,694 | $622 |
| 4 | $39,000 | $3,250 | $750 |
| For each additional family member | $6,682 | $557 | $129 |
Mobile Pantry
The Mobile Pantry program provides access to food to low-income families and residents who live in rural and underserved areas of Mercer County. This program is a method of direct distribution by MCFB born out of the pandemic as an additional avenue to reach our friends and neighbors facing hunger. Please see the schedule below and check our Facebook page for Pop-Up distribution dates and locations.
Mobile Pantry Monthly Schedule:
- MERCER
Mercer United Methodist Church
1st Wednesday • 12–2pm - FREDONIA
Fredonia United Methodist Church
2nd Thursday • 11am–1pm - HERMITAGE
Charleston United Methodist Church
3rd Friday • 1–3pm
**Dates and times are subject to change. Distributions are first come first serve to income eligible Mercer County recipients until quantities run out.
Harvest Helpings
Harvest Helpings provides 200 tons of fresh produce year-round to our neighbors facing food insecurity through the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative, & Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, as well as local farmers.
As part of the Harvest Helpings program, the Mobile Market helps bridge the gap between low access food areas of Mercer County and the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. MCFB is now delivering fresh product each week to partner sites throughout the county working to feed our neighbors facing hunger.
Myron's Meal Mobile
Myron’s Meal Mobile is a retrofitted school bus that provides hot, nutritious meals to children in their families by traveling to low-income neighborhoods during the summer months. Myron’s Meal Mobile made its maiden voyage in the summer of 2021 and has since served 15,000 meals to our neighbors facing hunger. Watch our website and social media platforms to see if Myron’s Meal Mobile will be visiting your neighborhood this year!
Need Help now?
If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, Mercer County Food Bank is here to help. If you need food now, follow this link to find one of our local member agencies or contact us.
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