The Erie Community Foundation was honored to receive recognition at the annual Bread Box Awards hosted by Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania. The awards celebrate individuals and organizations working to strengthen food security across our region. This recognition reflects the power of partnership and how we can inspire generosity, engage our community, and empower organizations like Second Harvest to meet urgent needs.

The recognition highlights the Foundation’s recent support of Second Harvest through a $50,000 grant from The Erie Community Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund, awarded in response to rising food insecurity and the growing impact of federal and state funding reductions on emergency food distribution efforts.

This funding is helping Second Harvest maintain critical food distribution services for families across Northwest Pennsylvania, ensuring continued access to nutritious food for refugee, immigrant, and low-income households. Funding particularly assists those experiencing SNAP benefit losses and other economic challenges. It also helps sustain food procurement and distribution capacity as demand for assistance continues to increase.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership of The Erie Community Foundation,” said Gregory D. Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest. “Through grants, food drives, volunteer opportunities, and Erie Gives, their collaboration strengthens our ability to serve neighbors in need. Partnerships like this are essential to Second Harvest’s mission, helping us stay responsive and connected to the communities we serve. With ongoing uncertainty around federal funding and programs like SNAP, we have seen an increased need among neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The Rapid Response Fund allowed us to respond quickly, filling critical gaps and ensuring families have the meals they need to thrive.”

At the Bread Box Awards, the Foundation was recognized in the organizations category for outstanding contributions to their cause. The honor reflects the collective efforts of nonprofit partners, community organizations, and donors working together to ensure families across our region have reliable access to food during times of uncertainty.

The Erie Community Foundation is proud to support Second Harvest Food Bank and is grateful to stand alongside organizations committed to caring for our neighbors.