MIKE REUTHER/Sun-Gazette Judy VanSant, of Williamsport, holds the Hunger Hero Award she received Thursday for her 15 years of volunteer service to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

John Meckley, left, accepts the
Innovative Partner Award on behalf
of Milton Bicentennial-Conagra Brands
at Thursday’s
Hunger Action Month breakfast held by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. At right is Joe Arthur, food bank executive director.
MIKE REUTHER/Sun-Gazette

MIKE REUTHER/Sun-Gazette
Judy VanSant, of Williamsport, holds the Hunger Hero Award she received Thursday for her 15 years of volunteer service to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is making strides to battle hunger through volunteerism and renewed strategies.

Some of the key groups and volunteers responsible for helping feed the needy hungry were recognized Thursday during the Hunger Action Month Breakfast.

Executive Director Joe Arthur said the food bank, which services a region including Lycoming County, is continuing “to close the meal gap.”

Three-quarters of the food distributed comes through donations.

“If it wasn’t for partnerships at all levels, none of this would happen,” he said.

Among the partnerships are those with local health systems, such as UPMC and Geisinger, he noted.

He called for expanding on those partnerships as well as those with youth programs and the agricultural community.

Arthur said working with government to ensure funding for programs also is important.

It was noted that a $1 donation to the food bank translates to six meals.

Among those recognized with Hunger Hero Awards for service to the food bank was Judy VanSant, of Williamsport. She volunteers 15 to 20 hours per month to the Food Bank.

“I really enjoy volunteering,” she said. “I think it’s a privilege.”

VanSant, a 15-year volunteer, said she especially enjoys stocking shelves.

The late Benjamin Olewine III received special recognition as an individual philanthropist. Olewine started the food bank 30 years ago.

Morgan/Stanley earned the corporate/foundation partner award for donating money for food bank equipment. Morgan/Stanley, it was noted, has been represented by volunteers giving their time to the food bank.

The Innovative Partner award went to the Milton Bicentennial-Conagra Brands for their efforts in bringing thousands of meals to people.

Other organizations received the following awards:

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, advocacy partner.

• Giant Food Stores, food donor.

• Carmella, volunteer group.