CEO-CaseForSupport-digital

CASE FOR SUPPORT

Hands that serve, hearts that care.

Hands united, hearts inspired.

FROM HUNGRY TO

FROM OUR DIRECTORS Dear Friends, We need your support now more than ever. More of our neighbors are hungry today than ever before in the history of our Food Bank. Over the past 29 years, we have supported a resilient and responsive network of charitable food providers.

At the CEO Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, our mission is simple: deliver food swiftly and equitably to those who need it most. Backed by nearly three decades of service, our network of volunteers, nonprofits, and community organizations is powered by a people-helping-people model that brings food from donors to the tables of our neighbors.

As a proud member of the Feeding America network and the designated distributor for several federal and state food programs, we maximize every dollar and donation. Our purchasing power enables us to fill nutritional gaps at the lowest possible cost.

Thanks to our streamlined logistics, including a fleet of trucks running routes across four counties and an online ordering system for partners, we ensure that no food—or effort—goes to waste. Time-sensitive and perishable items are sent directly to network partners, avoiding costly double handling. And our centralized facility enables uniform, equitable food distribution across the entire region.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards in food safety and compliance—not just within our own operations, but across our entire network of partners.

Your support can make a real difference. Your generosity fuels our ability to deliver with efficiency, integrity, and compassion. Together, we can continue to be the difference for families facing hunger. Will you stand with us?

With Grateful Hearts,

Jennifer Warabak, Executive Director

Mary Ellen Spellman, Food Bank Director

HOW WE WORK The CEO Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank serves four counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming. Our mission is to reduce hunger and promote healthy nutrition among poor and vulnerable people, especially children and the elderly.

The Food Bank collects food from the entire food system- from growers to retailers. We coordinate and support a network of partners to move the food from warehouse to table- quickly and efficiently. The network relies heavily on volunteers, small non-profit organizations, and faith-based community services.

The Food Bank is committed to constant growth and developing innovative solutions to hunger.

COLLECT FOOD: Food is sourced locally, regionally and nationally. Foods may be donated, government commodities, or purchased at wholesale prices. We prioritize healthy food and fresh produce in particular.

OUR FOOD BANK DEPENDS ON YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

WAREHOUSE & DELIVER: Food is received at our distribution center near Pittston. Free delivery is offered to all of our partner agencies. Some receive just-in-time deliveries on the day of food give-aways and others get deliveries to re-stock their on-site inventory.

WORK WITH PARTNERS: The Food Bank has more than 300 partners including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and meal programs hosted by community and faith-based organizations. We provide training and technical assistance to all of our partners.

HUNGRY TO HEALTHY: Our partners provide food in the form of either groceries or prepared meals to families and individuals. Some partners offer convenient drive-through food pick up and in others, families can shop and select the food items they prefer.

1. COLLECT FOOD

2. WAREHOUSE AND DELIVER

Our Food Bank Depends on you every step of the way.

3. WORK WITH PARTNERS

4. HUNGRY TO HEALTHY

Every meal starts with a helping hand.

More than just food.

TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE We provide training and resources to help partners and volunteers serve the community effectively. Through conferences, meetings, e-newsletters, and on line and on-site training, we cover food safety, civil rights, dignity, and best practices like choice food pantries and food rescue.

EQUIPMENT

TRENDS IN FOOD INSECURITY It is estimated, by Feeding America that the current rate of Food Insecurity in our region increased by 13% over 2019 for a total estimated population of 83,300 food insecure individuals.

POUNDS OF FOOD

Local data shows the number of visits to our partner food pantries have more than doubled (from 214,200 visits in 2019 to 470,293 visits in 2024), yet the available food has only increased by roughly 40% (from 12.5 million pounds to 17.6 million pounds).

Healthy food is often perishable and requires proper storage to be distributed effectively. To support our partners, we provide cold storage units to organizations, ensuring more communities have access to fresh, nutritious food.

EDUCATION Nutrition education is a key part of our mission, helping food recipients learn how to prepare and enjoy the food they receive.

PANTRY VISITS

96% increase in annual visits to partner food pantries since 2019.

FOOD COSTS

The cost of food continues to climb; this drives increased demand for food assistance & results in food shortages. Locally, statewide and nationally, there is a shortage of food in the charitable network.

Lend a hand, feed a future.

We need your support now more than ever.

As we move forward, we have goals we need to accomplish to feed the hungry in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

EQUITABLE FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND CAPACITY BUILDING. Ensure that limited resources are maximized, leveraged, and shared in ways that prioritize the highest-need communities and underserved populations.

REFOCUS ON FOOD RESCUE AND LOCAL DONATIONS FROM SMALL BUSINESSES, FARMS, RESTAURANTS, AND MAJOR FOOD INDUSTRY PARTNERS.

Food rescue is gathering surplus food from various sources and distributing it to those in need. We will work to equip our network of partners with tools and resources for food rescue and support-raising.

FOCUS ON HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS.

This includes fresh produce, dairy, meat, and poultry.

These items support health and are difficult for our neighbors to access with limited resources.

Can we count on you to be a vital part of our mission?

With resources stretched thin and food insecurity rising daily, your support is not just valuable; it’s indispensable: every dollar, every hour of volunteer service, each can of donated food, word of advocacy, shared resource, introduction, and idea are critical.

We need your help.

The CEO Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank thrives thanks to the collaborative spirit of its dedicated partners and the overwhelming support from the community. This collective effort, in which each member plays a crucial role, ensures that individuals and families facing food insecurity receive the necessary nourishment.

THERE ARE THREE MAJOR AREAS WHERE SUPPORT IS BOTH NEEDED AND HIGHLY IMPACTFUL:

Volunteers are vital to the Food Bank.

Their tireless efforts are the backbone of our operations, ensuring that the food bank can run smoothly.

Find out how to get involved: Scan the QR code or visit: ceopeoplehelpingpeople.org /volunteers

Monetary donations help the Food Bank purchase nutritious food, maintain facilities, and expand outreach.

Every dollar provides multiple meals, making financial support vital in the fight against hunger. Without our generous donors, feeding so many would not be possible.

Donate today: Scan the QR code or visit: ceopeoplehelpingpeople.org /donate

Food donations keep the Food Bank’s shelves stocked and provide nutritious options for individuals and families in need.

From canned goods to fresh produce, every contribution helps. Partnerships with food businesses also reduce waste while fighting hunger. Know a local food business? Help connect with donors to reach more families.

For more information Scan the QR code or visit: ceopeoplehelpingpeople.org/fooddonor

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR LEADERS

With Appreciation Gene Brady

With Gratitude Rich Kutz

With Blessings Monsignor McGowan

With Honor Judge Hugh Mundy

OUR TEAM Mary Ellen Spellman, Food Bank Director Matthew Krupa, Director of Operations Amanda Brueckler, Agency Distribution Manager Debra Taylor, Corporate and Community Relations Kyle Barthold, Data Manager Kim Grzesek, Food Bank Partnership Manager Dan Yaglowski, Warehouse Manager Tony Teberio, Receiving Manager Jenn Morgan and Lisa Ihnat, Senior Food Box Program Drivers & Warehouse Workers: Brian Carroll, Henry Caruthers, Lou Dominick, Dale McCloe, Ryan O’Malley, Jeff Vose, Rich Yanchus Nutrition Educators: Ingrid Balsamo, Mary Kay D’Elia, Chandra Galliford, Kim McLendon, Kathy Lockman, Mary Parrs, Margaret Raniero, Rachel Rovinski, Joan Saxon, Rolly Smith Jennifer Warabak, Executive Director Rod Blaine, Director of Administration & Finance Gretchen Hunt, Director of Resource Development Michele Newberry, Development Officer

FROM HUNGRY TO

Transforming communities... one plate at a time.

165 Amber Lane • Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Phone: (570) 826-0510 Toll Free Number: 1-800-822-0359 ceopeoplehelpingpeople.org