The New Love Center has received a $15,000 grant from First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP), through the Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program, the organization announced in a press release.

The grant will be used to fund improvements as part of the center’s Food Warehouse Project, along with essential equipment purchases, including a CAT forklift, heavy-duty platform truck, hand truck, storage totes, and panel truck, strengthening the organization’s ability to safely and efficiently serve neighbors across the region, according to the release.

“The funding supports the organization’s growing capacity to receive, store, organize, and distribute large quantities of nutritious food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity,” the release said.

Executive Director Holly Beaver called the new equipment a “game changer.”

“As the needs in our communities continue to grow, having the proper equipment allows us to move food more safely, efficiently and with greater dignity for those we serve. We are deeply grateful to FCFP for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our food distribution efforts,” Beaver said.

“The new forklift will improve the organization’s ability to manage palletized food deliveries, maximize warehouse storage space, and enhance volunteer safety while reducing physical strain during daily operations,” the release said.

With the center serving thousands of individuals and families throughout the region, partnerships such as those with FCFP help to ensure that neighbors facing food insecurity and other hardships continue to have access to healthy food and compassionate support, according to the release.

“We are thankful for community partners like First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania who come alongside organizations like ours to make a lasting impact,” Beaver said, adding, “together, we are building stronger, healthier communities.”