As Food Insecurity Grows, The New Love Center Calls for Community Support At Clinton County Commissioner’s Meeting

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN—With food insecurity on the rise in Clinton County and continued delays in passing the Federal Budget, the Clinton County Commissioners are rallying behind The New Love Center (TNLC), a local faith-based nonprofit whose mission is “to share the love of God by nourishing our neighbors in need.” During the commissioners’ work session on Monday, October 27, 2025, TNLC Executive Director Holly Beaver delivered a sobering update: The hunger crisis is intensifying, and more families are seeking help than ever before.

Founded on compassion and sustained by robust partnerships, TNLC operates a network of food assistance programs that serve both Clinton and Lycoming Counties. Holly explained that TNLC offers food assistance to a broad spectrum of residents, including low-income families or those earning at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, children who require additional support beyond meals at school, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, single parents, working families who still struggle financially, and anyone dealing with unexpected financial difficulties.

“Each month we serve hundreds of households through our programs, our volunteers, and our community partnerships, ensuring that our neighbors have access to nutritious food, to hope, and care,” Holly said during the meeting.

Holly shared that through the Center’s programs, its volunteers, and community partnerships, hundreds of households in the county are supported each month. One of these programs is the Center’s Pantry Choice Program. “This program empowers clients to choose their own groceries, promoting dignity and reducing food waste, and provides a variety of nutritious options, including fresh produce, proteins, and pantry staples,” she explained. “From Clinton County, in this program, we served approximately 947 individuals, 400 households, for our first quarter.”

Beyond the Pantry Choice Program, TNLC’s Mobile Pantry brings essential groceries to rural or transportation-limited areas, serving 444 individuals and 196 families at locations in Lock Haven and Renovo.

Holly’s report was packed with both urgency and hope. “Food insecurity is not a distant issue; it’s a reality for many right here in our county,” she told the commissioners. “Clinton County is the largest area that we currently serve at The New Love Center. We see the need every single day— families, seniors, and working individuals are coming to us because they can’t make ends meet. With the reduction in SNAP benefits and the uncertainty caused by the federal and state budget hold, more families are turning to us for help.”

“The need is real, it’s growing, and it affects people from every community and background. We’re doing our part, but we can’t do it alone; we need continued support and partnership from the county to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.”

In response to increasing requests from local schools such as Mill Hall, Renovo, and Liberty-Curtin Elementaries, The New Love Center has broadened its services to address the impact of hunger on students’ well-being and learning. In partnership with Keystone Central School District, TNLC recently launched its first on-site snack pantry at Robb Elementary, providing 392 students with access to nutritious snacks throughout the school day and after school. As Holly noted, research indicates that food insecurity is closely linked to student well-being and even incidences of bullying.

Plans are also underway to launch new mobile pantry locations in Beech Creek and Lamar, and to open an education center by February 2026, which will be “a space where individuals and families can learn skills that lead to greater stability and independence”.

When Commissioner Angela Harding asked how the community can support The New Love Center, Holly offered a clear recommendation: “The financial impact is bigger for us because the food we pay for is 19 cents per pound, so where someone brings in three boxes of cereal, we could maybe get 20,” she explained. “We could get a lot more for every dollar they’re spending.” Harding also asked whether financial donations go directly toward purchasing food, and Holly confirmed that 100% of donated funds are used for that purpose.

Commissioner Jeff Snyder commended Holly’s leadership and acknowledged the vital efforts of TNLC’s 198 dedicated volunteers. “We really appreciate the service that The New Love Center does for our constituents, and we’re very excited to hear about you expanding it to other areas,” he said.

Holly expressed her appreciation to the Commissioners for their ongoing partnership, assistance in connecting with local resources, and support in coordinating efforts focused on food access, transportation, and wellness. “We can’t do it alone. At The New Love Center, we believe that food is love in action. Every meal shared is hope restored, a burden lifted, a life touched.”

How to Help or Receive Assistance:

As food insecurity continues to rise in Clinton County, The New Love Center encourages community members, churches, and businesses to offer their support—whether through financial contributions or volunteering.

To learn more, make a donation, or access resources, visit www.thenewlovecenter.com, follow The New Love Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thenewlovecenter, or email info@newlovecenter.com to ask questions.