Students school-wide at Harrisburg Academy (HA), the Capital Region’s premier, and one of the nation’s oldest, private, independent, co-ed, PreK through Grade 12 schools, will deliver more than 200 complete meal bags ― more than 2,000 items of food ― to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB) that they collected during a holiday drive from November 4-21.
With hunger at an all-time high, they’ll bring the much-needed, donated items to the CPFB collection hub in Harrisburg on November 22. The Food Bank serves more than 253,000 people in 27 counties across central PA each month. Together with their partner agencies, the CPFB has distributed more than 73.6 million pounds of food to our neighbors in need.
WHO: Harrisburg Academy Students and Adrian Allan, Head of School
WHAT: Loading & Delivery of Holiday Meal Kits to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
WHEN: Friday, November 22, 9:00 a.m. Student Packing/Loading for CPFB delivery
WHERE: Harrisburg Academy, 10 Erford Rd., Wormleysburg, PA
The demand for assistance continues to be extremely high, especially during the holiday season. Harrisburg Academy students also held a Denim Day and will present their monetary donations to the CPFB. According to CPFB, for every $1 donated, they provide 4 meals worth of healthy groceries to a neighbor facing hunger. Fostering and fulfilling community service projects is a core principle of the International Baccalaureate curriculum at HA.
“At the Academy, we’re taught the importance of giving back to our community. This food drive has been a powerful reminder of how our collective efforts can truly make a difference,” said Jackson M., Class of ’27.
“The Harrisburg Academy Holiday Food Drive was a tremendous success because of the caring and generosity of our fellow students, their families, everyone at the Academy and the community at large,” noted Ava R., Class of ’27.
“When we put out the call to help our neighbors in need with meal kits, everyone at HA pitched in to donate,” commented Acadia C., Class of ‘27.
“We encourage our students to be critical thinkers and entrepreneurial in their approach to solving problems in our community and around the world while helping others,” added Adrian Allan, Harrisburg Academy head of school. “I am proud of the efforts our students showed in crafting a successful drive that will bring hope and nutritious food to our neighbors at a time of great need.”
Each meal kit contains canned vegetables, fruits, beans, tuna and chicken as well as pasta and pasta sauce, instant oatmeal, peanut butter, breakfast cereal and fruit juice.
“We are incredibly grateful for these meal kits, which will nourish and uplift our neighbors alongside the students’ generous monetary donation,” said Joe Arthur, CEO of Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “The students’ thoughtful efforts show the power of coming together to make a difference and inspire change toward ending hunger.”
Harrisburg Academy’s Mission
Harrisburg Academy is central Pennsylvania’s only International Baccalaureate Continuum School offering an academically challenging and globally minded interdisciplinary education. In our commitment to excellence, we provide tools, develop character, and teach skills that prepare students to thrive in college and beyond, thereby contributing to the betterment of our global and local communities.
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is committed to ending hunger in 27 counties across central Pennsylvania. By working with more than 1,200 local agencies and programs, we serve more than 253,000 people in need, each month, through our three Healthy Food Hubs, located in Harrisburg, Hollidaysburg and Williamsport.
Hunger Facts
According to Feeding America, one in 5 children nationally does not have enough to eat. And the CPFB says food insecurity impacts at least 1 in 9 adults in their service communities.
Those people needing food assistance can visit the CPFB website at centralpafoodbank.org. Use the “Find Help” feature and type in their zip code. It will return a list of nearby food pantries. They can also call the CPFB’s HelpLine at 877-999-5964.