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 information to determine Food Bank program placement. There is no income qualification to receive food.
- Eligible clients will be approved for 12 grocery distributions in a 12-month period, with at least 30 days between visits.
Step 2:
Call or meet with one of the agencies listed below. If you qualify, they will work with you to complete a referral form, which will be sent to the Food Bank on your behalf by the agency completing the referral form.
As of November 1, 2024, all current Penn State Students must receive their referrals through the Student Care and Advocacy Office.
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 South Fraser Street, State College, PA 16801
- Centre Volunteers in Medicine
- 814.231.4043
- 2520 Green Tech Drive, Suite D, State College, PA 16803
- Salvation Army
- 814.861.1785
- 2603 East College Avenue, Suite G, State College, PA 16801
- The Student Care and Advocacy Office
- 814.863.2020
- StudentCare@psu.edu
- 222 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802
- 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 Medical
- If you work with a case manager from an agency that isn't listed above, please contact the State College Food Bank to get further information.
At times, a one-time referral can be provided for individuals with out-of-the-ordinary situations.
Emergency 24-hour food assistance is available through Centre Helps: 814.237.5855, 410 South Fraser Street, State College, PA 16801
Step 3:
Visit the State College 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.
