Did you know that at least 47,000 Lancaster County residents struggle with food access?

According to the 2023 Lancaster County Hunger Mapping Report, children are 55% more likely to experience food insecurity than adults. To help, WellSpan is supporting the Power Packs Project through an Inspire Grant. These grants are awarded to new or expanded projects that advance our Community Health Improvement Plan, which provides a comprehensive framework for action to address community health needs.

The Power Packs Project provides families with packs, which contain a simple recipe and the healthy, low-cost ingredients to make it, so parents and caregivers can learn to cook nutritious meals and replicate them in the future. One pack contains a pound of protein, fresh produce items, a quart of milk and extra items, such as peanut butter, cereal, healthy snacks or canned fruits and vegetables.

Each pack also includes an educational piece, which can feature a tip about what produce is in season at local farmers markets. This empowers families to learn how they can purchase healthier food options on a budget.

In 2024, WellSpan has invested more than $1.5 million to improve access to food in local communities.

“This grant is an example of WellSpan’s commitment to enhance the conditions that affect our patients’ health and quality-of-life outcomes, particularly access to food,” says Stephanie Voight, director of community health at WellSpan Health. “It demonstrates the ways we are encouraging continuous learning through hunger mapping, while empowering those who are already doing exceptional work in our community to eliminate hunger.”

Making an impact

The Power Packs Project is focusing the grant it received on food security in the Conestoga Valley School District in Lancaster County and the Red Lion School District in York County, which both struggle with high hunger rates and low food assistance. The focused effort helps about 200 local families.

Brad Peterson, executive director of the Power Packs Project, considers this work a passion and is proud of what the organization has done for the community.

“No child should go hungry. I know we can’t solve hunger on our own, but we can make a difference one meal at a time,” says Brad. “The response from community members has been very positive. Many families are really struggling with inflation right now and are appreciative that our Power Packs include items that may be more expensive at the store. When you hear their stories, you realize the impact you’re making on families and the difference it has in their lives.”

From left, Pastor Bryant Holtzapple and Courtney Smith volunteer at a distribution site for the Power Packs Project.

In the Red Lion School District, Brandy Shealer, social worker, and Katharine Diorio, director of pupil services, have both noticed the program’s positive impacts on students and their families.

“Food scarcity has become a huge concern in our schools, and this program is an amazing resource that we can provide to families,” says Katharine. “Students now also know that they will have food to go home to after school. This basic need is being met and it’s one less thing for them to worry about so they can focus on learning and not what their next meal will be.”

From left, Katharine and Dr. Shealer with Power Packs distribution boxes.

“My favorite part of this program is that it has become a community effort,” says Dr. Shealer. “It’s providing additional resources to families when they pick up meals at distribution sites and connecting them to other needs in the community. Our schools provide what we can but we can’t do it all. Helping them navigate those resources is just as important as the food. It provides that extra layer of support.”

Brad says WellSpan’s support helps the project with its mission of helping as many families in the community as possible.

“WellSpan’s funding enables us to continue meeting the growing needs of the community,” says Brad. “We rely on the support of funding and volunteers and couldn’t do it without community support.”

Learn more about how we support our communities here.