Check out where to get local meals, produce and groceries for free in Centre County

Matt Hymowitz
·5 min read

Food prices have been increasing at a slower rate, but they remain higher than average, straining many wallets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said costs rose 0.2% between March and April but were 7.7% higher than in April 2022.

As of Thursday, all food prices are expected to increase 6.2% this year, the USDA said in a report. The costs are different depending on whether the food is purchased to eat at home or away from home. Grocery store prices are forecast to rise 6.3% while restaurant prices are expected to increase 7.7%.

In 2022, overall food prices rose 9.9% (supermarket costs were up 11.4%, while restaurant prices rose 7.7%). The USDA now expects beef, veal and fresh fruits to see price increases, while pork prices are expected to decline.

Centre County residents who need help stretching their grocery budget amid these price changes have several places to turn.

Grocery giveaway

Centre Church and New Beginnings Church hold a food distribution event on the third Friday of the month. It takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. at Centre Church, 119 E. College Ave., Pleasant Gap.

Register at centrechurch.org/groceries. Participants should bring their own reusable bags to carry their groceries and note that the distribution is first come, first served.

“We have all felt the budget strains caused by astronomical grocery prices. Through this event we hope to bless local individuals and families with supplemental groceries to help lighten the load,” Centre Church wrote on Facebook.

Farmers market

The Community Farmers Market at the Nittany Mall will give away local produce this summer.

The State College Food Bank, State College/Downtown Rotary Club, Think We, Not Me and the mall sponsor the market, which is held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The market will run from 4 to 6 p.m. or until the produce runs out, and it’s open to everyone in Centre County. Market dates are:

  • June 13

  • June 27

  • July 11

  • July 25

  • Aug. 8

  • Aug. 22

  • Sept. 12

  • Sept. 26

YMCA programs

The YMCA of Centre County runs a handful of anti-hunger programs for community members in need.

The YMCA will once again join with the Jana Marie Foundation for the “Free to Be Me” Summer Tour. The Travelin’ Table mobile feeding bus will stop around the county to bring lunch along with music and interactive activities in a celebration of summer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at these dates and places:

  • June 5: Cold Stream Recreation, Philipsburg

  • June 9: Port Matilda Elementary School

  • June 12: South Hills School

  • June 16: Wingate Elementary School

  • June 19: Cold Stream Recreation, Philipsburg

  • June 20: YSB, Snow Shoe

  • June 23: South Hills School

  • June 26: Milesburg Community Center

  • June 30: Bellefonte YMCA

  • July 3: Cold Stream Recreation, Philipsburg

  • July 7: Howard Elementary School

  • July 10: Radio Park Elementary

  • July 14: Heritage Days, Philipsburg

  • July 17: Cold Stream Recreation, Philipsburg

  • July 21: Mountain Top Elementary

  • July 24: Radio Park Elementary

  • July 28: Penns Valley YMCA

  • July 31: Cold Stream Recreation, Philipsburg

  • Aug. 4: Progress Grange, Centre Hall

Fresh Express food distributions take place monthly at these locations:

  • In Centre Hall, 1:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month at Progress Grange, 217 S. Pennsylvania Ave.

  • In Philipsburg, time depends on truck delivery but always in the morning, first and third Thursday of the month at Chester Hill Fire Company, Walton Street

  • In Snow Shoe, noon, first and third Thursday of the month at Snow Shoe Township Building, 268 Oldside Road, Clarence

  • In Wingate, 5 p.m., second and fourth Thursday of the month at Bald Eagle Valley UMC, 111 Runville Road

  • In Howard, 5 p.m., first Thursday and third Friday of the month at Howard United Methodist Church, 144 W. Main St.

  • In Houtzdale, 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month at St. Barbara’s Church, 76 Emery Ave.

There are additional food distribution sites around the region:

  • Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church, 1776 Halfmoon Valley Road, Port Matilda: 3:15 p.m., first and third Monday of the month

  • 141 Enterprise Drive, Philipsburg: 10 a.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month

  • Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College: 4:30-6 p.m., second and fourth Thursday of the month

  • St. John Lutheran Church, 216 N. McAllister St., Bellefonte: 4:30 p.m., fourth Friday of the month

  • Bellefonte YMCA, 125 W. High St.: noon, second Friday of the month

  • Bigler YMCA, Walker Road: 1 p.m., second and fourth Monday of the month

  • Clearfield VFW, 1145 Industrial Park Road: this veterans distribution takes place at 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month

  • Palestine UMC, Schoonover Road, Morrisdale: 10 a.m., third Saturday of the month

  • Smithmill VFW, 291 Veterans St.: 4:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month

  • Clearfield Driving Park: 5 p.m., third Thursday of the month

Emergency food boxes filled with nonperishable items can be picked up at Centre County YMCA branches in Bellefonte, Philipsburg, Spring Mills and State College, as well as Progress Grange in Centre Hall and St. Peter’s UCC in Rebersburg.

Another YMCA outreach effort delivers food to those who are unable to travel to the distribution sites, whether for medical reasons or lack of transportation. Volunteers in all communities are needed to drop off boxed food. Those interested in joining the program, known as the Ripken Project, as recipients or volunteers can contact Mel Curtis at mcurtis@ymcaocc.org or 814-342-0889.

For more information about the YMCA’s programs, including how to volunteer or provide financial support, visit ymcaofcentrecounty.org/programs/youth-development/feeding-our-children/.

Food pantries

Eligible community members can also turn to their local food pantry for assistance. Central Pennsylvania Community Action is the lead agency for eight food pantries in Centre County, including the State College Food Bank and FaithCentre Food Bank in Bellefonte.

Penn State students dealing with food insecurity also have a resource. They can turn to The Lion’s Pantry, a student food pantry on campus.