State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, announced $6,226,577 in funding to assist low-income individuals, combat food insecurity and improve distressed areas throughout the 23rd District was awarded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), in a news release this week.

“The Neighborhood Assistance Program allows businesses, communities and organizations to work together to revitalize our neighborhoods and improve access to job opportunities, quality education and affordable housing,” Yaw said, according to the news release. “I am pleased to see this impactful investment in these worthy projects throughout our region.”

The projects include Central Pennsylvania Food Bank – $5,653,827 to combat food insecurity by distributing nutritious food to families; The New Love Center Jersey Shore – $39,000 to address food insecurity by purchasing and distributing healthy, fresh food; The New Love Center Jersey Shore – $39,000 to address food insecurity by purchasing and distributing healthy, fresh food; Geisinger Health Foundation – $210,600 to tackle rural healthcare workforce shortages and population loss through new partnerships and pipeline programs; Lycoming County SPCA – $36,000 to manage stray intake, pet population and create a safer and more sanitary community; and the Lycoming County SPCA – $36,000 to manage stray intake, pet population and create a safer and more sanitary community.

Sullivan County projects include: the Sullivan County Food Pantry – $3,250 to provide food distribution for over 655 low income and food insecure people and the Loyalsock Foundation – $82,350 to install critical infrastructure (well, septic, electric) for The Summit: Center for Wellness.