How To Qualify

Clients

Step 1:

In order to use the State College Food Bank: 

  • You must reside in Centre County.
  • You must have a referral from one of the agencies listed below
  • You must provide your income to determine Food Bank program placement. There is no income qualification to receive food.
  • Eligible clients will be approved for 12 regular distributions in a 12 month period, with at least 30 days between visits.

Step 2:

Meet with one of the agencies listed below. If you qualify, they will provide you with a referral, which will be sent to the Food Bank on your behalf by the agency completing the referral.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for services, please call us directly at 814.234.2310.


Community Partners (approved referring agencies)

  • Centre Helps (open 24/7)
    • 814.237.5855 or 24-hour Hotline at 800.494.2500
    • 410 S Fraser St, State College, PA
  • Centre Volunteers in Medicine
    • 814.231.4043
    • 2520 Green Tech Dr, Suite D, State College, PA  16803
  • Salvation Army 
    • 814.861.1785
    • 2603 E College Ave, Suite G, State College, PA 16801
  • If you work with any of the following agencies, check with your case manager for eligibility:
    • Strawberry Fields
    • Housing Transitions
    • Centre Safe 
    • State College Area School District 
    • Mount Nittany Medical 
    • Geisinger 

At times, a one-time referral can be provided for individuals with unusual situations.

Emergency 24-hour assistance is available through Centre Helps: 814.237.5855, 410 S. Fraser St., State College, PA 16801

 

Step 3:


Visit the Food Bank during regular distribution hours. First-time clients, coming for their first grocery distribution, MUST come to the Food Bank on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 2:00-3:00 pm. 

 

The State College Food Bank has a mission to provide food security, directly or indirectly, to people in Centre County, thus ensuring that no one in Centre County goes hungry regardless of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, creed, or disability. We are committed to making our community a better place through our mission and programs, and our primary focus is to ensure access to healthy and nutritious food for anyone who is in need of our support and assistance.