Hunger in rural Pa.
Rising food insecurity is reshaping life in rural Pennsylvania, where communities like Central City face limited access to food and economic opportunity. As grocery prices climb and pandemic-era assistance fades, more families are turning to local programs to meet basic needs.
At a small park in town, volunteers like 79-year-old Bonnie Doran organize summer meals for children who would otherwise go without while school is out. What begins as a simple lunch becomes a vital support system for families navigating increasing financial strain.
Across Somerset County and beyond, demand for food assistance is reaching record levels, reflecting a broader shift driven by inflation and shrinking safety nets. In places like Central City, food insecurity is no longer hidden — it is a daily reality shaping how people live and care for one another.
