November 20, 2025
HARRISBURG, Pa. – To support local families ahead of the holidays, UPMC in Central Pa. has donated $300,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. This generous contribution will provide 1.2 million meals for thousands of families to put on their tables for Thanksgiving and other special occasions, helping to ensure their holiday season is filled with hope, joy, and meaningful memories.
“We know that many patients and members of our community face food insecurity, which can harm a family’s physical and emotional health,” said David Gibbons, senior vice president, Health Services Division, and regional president, UPMC. “We hope this gift eases the burdens families in our region are facing so they can focus on spending quality time around the table with friends and family this Thanksgiving season.”
Communities across Central Pennsylvania already benefit from UPMC’s fight against food insecurities. The UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital Program at UPMC Memorial combats food insecurity throughout York County by providing fresh, healthy produce to UPMC Memorial patients, staff, visitors, and the community at large.
UPMC in Central Pa. provided nearly $230 million in benefits to Central Pennsylvania communities in the past year. This latest donation to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is an extension of UPMC’s generous support of programs and organizations that meet critical needs of Pennsylvania families.
“We thank UPMC in Central Pa. for this incredible donation,” said Shila Ulrich, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Donations such as this one are always important and greatly support our neighbors, but they are especially needed right now. These funds ensure families across our community have one less worry, especially this time of year. Strong partnerships like these remain critical to our mission of fighting hunger during this ongoing food insecurity crisis.”
Ulrich said many people are struggling financially, and even with the SNAP program and state programs resuming after the federal and state budgets passed recently, neighbors are still in need of food assistance. She asks the public to consider making a first-time financial contribution or increasing their usual donation to the food bank during the holiday season.
For neighbors who need any support this holiday season, please call the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank at 877-999-5964 or email arinfo@centralpafoodbank.org. Program details can also be accessed online at https://www.centralpafoodbank.org/.
From left to right: Jessica Ritchie, president and chief development officer, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and David Gibbons, senior vice president, Health Services Division, and regional president, UPMC, present a check for $300,000 to Shila Ulrich, chief executive officer, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and Matt Lane, senior vice president and chief development officer, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank works with nearly 1,100 local agencies and programs to serve nearly 268,000 people in need each month across 27 counties in central Pennsylvania. UPMC's donation will provide 1.2 million meals to families in need this holiday season.
Zach Sweger
717-678-1300
swegerzg@upmc.edu
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