Contact:
Olivia Burgess
Director of Collective Giving
The Erie Community Foundation
814-454-0843
OBurgess@ErieCommunityFoundation.org
Largest Grant to Date Will Support Launch of New Healthy Pantry Model in Erie’s East Side
Erie, PA — At today’s Emerging Erie Fund Grant Reception, the Second Harvest Food Bank was awarded a $100,000 grant, the Emerging Erie Fund’s largest grant to date, in support of their new initiative, the Second Harvest Marketplace.
The Second Harvest Marketplace is a Healthy Pantry Initiative (HPI) food pantry set to open in summer 2025. The HPI, a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, partners with food banks to increase access to healthy food options for individuals experiencing food insecurity, while also providing hands-on nutrition education. The Marketplace will operate as a free, walk-through grocery store designed to serve families in the City of Erie. It will be located in the newly renovated UPMC Community Center at 803 East Avenue, a strategic site in the 16503 ZIP code—one of Erie’s many food deserts. By offering nutritious food choices and access to supportive services, the Marketplace aims to improve the health and well-being of residents across the community.
“The Second Harvest Marketplace is a forward-thinking response to a critical need in our community,” said Nick Cianci, Chair of the Emerging Erie Fund. “This is more than a food pantry; it’s a model for how we can address food insecurity with dignity, education, and partnerships that drive long-term impact. By supporting this Healthy Pantry Initiative, we’re not only increasing access to nutritious food but also helping create healthier outcomes for families across Erie.”
The $100,000 grant will support the purchase of key food storage and distribution infrastructure, along with marketing and personnel expenses critical to the Marketplace’s success in its inaugural year. In addition to groceries, the space will provide opportunities for neighbors to connect with other community service partners, offering wraparound support. This innovative model is the first of its kind in Erie County.
The Erie Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow. We envision a united, vibrant, and thriving region for all.
To learn more visit www.ErieCommunityFoundation.org.
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