Guthrie supports CHOP mobile food pantry

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SAYRE — Guthrie proudly announced its contribution towards a significant stride in community health improvement this week. In February 2023, Guthrie awarded a $20,000 grant to Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) that has been instrumental in the establishment of a mobile food pantry serving Bradford and Sullivan counties.

According to a press release from Guthrie, the new mobile pantry truck, funded in part by Guthrie’s grant, is a beacon of hope for many families struggling with food insecurity in these communities. The initiative is designed to provide frequent and efficient access to nutritious food right in their own neighborhoods, addressing a critical need often faced by those in rural areas.

This initiative is part of CHOP’s ongoing partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which includes pop up pantries and produce distributions. Guthrie’s grant has supported this effort, enabling the purchase of a van and additional food items to nourish the communities we serve.

“More than 10.5% of residents in Bradford and Sullivan counties experience food insecurity. These numbers are not surprising, as we acknowledge the impact that food costs have had on families, in addition to many residents living in what we call a ‘food desert,’” explained Dani Ruhf, Founder and CEO of CHOP. “By partnering with Guthrie on this effort, we are in a better position to serve those who need it most by purchasing a van and the food necessary to close the meal gaps.”

“Guthrie’s support for the mobile food pantry aligns with our commitment to enhancing the overall health and well-being of our community.” said Dr. Frederick Bloom, Chief Population Health Officer, The Guthrie Clinic. “We are delighted to see the positive impact our grant is having on families in Bradford and Sullivan counties.”

According to the press release, this grant was awarded as part of Guthrie’s Community Benefit Grant Program, which funds projects based on Guthrie’s Community Health Needs Assessment. For more information about Guthrie’s Community Benefit Grant Program, including instructions on how to apply for a grant, visit www.guthrie.org/about-us/community-benefits.

About CHOP

Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) distributes food to children experiencing food insecurity through In-School Pantries, Backpack Programs, Pop Up Pantries, and Summer Meal Programs. CHOP serves children in Bradford, Columbia, Elk, Lackawanna, Luzerne, McKean, Monroe, Pike, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Warren, and Wyoming Counties.

To learn more about CHOP, visit www.chopouthunger.org.

About Guthrie

The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty health system that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Based in Sayre, Pennsylvania, The Guthrie Clinic is one of the nation’s longest established group practices, founded in 1910 by Dr. Donald Guthrie with a vision of providing patient-centered care through a clinically-integrated network of employed providers. It is an industry leader in the use of technology and electronic medical records to provide high-quality care. Among The Guthrie Clinic’s 6,500 caregivers are more than 700 physicians and advanced practice providers, representing the spectrum of medical specialties and sub-specialties. The Guthrie Clinic is a five-hospital system with a large network of outpatient facilities that spans nearly 9,000 square miles in Pennsylvania and upstate New York. It is dedicated to training the next generation of health care leaders, offering seven residencies and three fellowships.   To learn more about Guthrie visit www.Guthrie.org.