SHARON ,The Mercer County Food Bank has approved an emergency response plan to commit nearly 100,000 meals to its network of member agencies, addressing concerns about increased need due to a federal government shutdown, a state budget impasse and a pending suspension of federal food aid.

The organization’s emergency action comes as the charitable food network faces operational strain in Mercer County. Rebecca Page, executive director of MCFB, noted that pantries are struggling to keep food on their shelves because of the combined issues.

The most immediate concern is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Pennsylvania state officials recently announced that November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be paid at this time because the federal government shutdown has prevented the release of funds to the state. The state is unable to use its own funds to cover the federal government's share of the program, which provides over $366 million in monthly food assistance to approximately 2 million Pennsylvanians.

The SNAP suspension could directly affect more than 19,000 residents in the Mercer County area. This looming threat prompted several food agencies to contact MCFB about their capacity to handle an expected increase in need.

The MCFB Board of Directors adopted an emergency plan to help member agencies meet this expected demand in the coming months. The food bank is the local partner of Feeding America, serving over 50 member agencies and operating nine direct distribution programs. In 2024, the organization distributed 3 million pounds of food to people experiencing food insecurity.

To support the commitment, MCFB is launching a county-wide initiative called “Together We Can Food and Funds Drive.” The organization is calling on local businesses, schools, and community groups to help restock pantry shelves across the county.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the food drive, make monetary donations to assist with bulk food purchases, or volunteer their time to sort and pack food boxes. Individuals seeking food assistance can contact the food bank at 724-981-0353 to be paired with a local pantry.