The New Love Center Responds to Rising Food Insecurity in Clinton and Lycoming Counties

By Emily Wright 

JERSEY SHORE—For many families in Clinton and Lycoming Counties, putting food on the table has become increasingly difficult. With rising costs, a pause on SNAP benefits, and financial uncertainty due to state and federal budget delays, food insecurity is on the rise throughout the region. In response, local nonprofit The New Love Center (TNLC) has become a vital lifeline, providing food to thousands of residents every month, and now preparing for even greater demand in the coming months. As the need for assistance is expected to rise during this critical time, TNLC is reaching out to the community for additional support.

Driven by the slogan “Where the love of Christ provides for all,” The New Love Center is a faith-based nonprofit and, according to the Central PA Food Bank, the largest provider of food assistance in Clinton County. Headquartered at 263 Henry Street in Jersey Shore and led by Executive Director Holly Beaver, TNLC serves as a vital resource for thousands of residents in Clinton and Lycoming Counties each month, offering a range of programs dedicated to combating hunger.

As November approaches, Holly shared with The Record that TNLC is already preparing for a surge in residents seeking help. “We are absolutely preparing for an increase in the number of neighbors who may need our help going into November. We’ve already seen how rising food costs and the changes in SNAP benefits have affected families, and we want to be ready,” she said. “We’re stocking up on food items, coordinating volunteers, and working with community partners so that no one in our area goes without support. The need may grow — but so will our commitment to serve.”

“This is a time when community matters more than ever.  With so many families struggling due to the SNAP crisis, every act of kindness helps — whether that’s donating food, volunteering time, or giving financially. When the community steps up, together we make sure no one has to face hunger alone,” Holly said. Emphasizing the mission of TNLC and providing reassurance, she added, “At The New Love Center, our mission has always been to share the love of Christ by serving our neighbors in need, and we’re prepared to walk alongside anyone who finds themselves struggling this season.”   

With almost 200 dedicated volunteers already involved, TNLC is seeking even more people to join as the need for assistance continues to grow. “As we prepare for more neighbors needing assistance, volunteers are vital to helping us serve well. We couldn’t do what we do without them,” Holly said. “There are many ways to get involved—from helping in our Pantry or the Café, to stocking shelves and refrigerators, to greeting guests, or assisting with mobile distributions. Whether someone can give an hour a week or help out occasionally, every bit makes a difference.”

Explaining how individuals and families can access food assistance, Holly said, “If an individual or family is in need of food assistance, the best place to start is simply by reaching out. We welcome anyone—no appointment or referral is needed.”

She added, “Neighbors can visit our Pantry Choice during distribution hours, stop by The Café for a free meal, or connect with our Mobile Pantry if transportation is a challenge. For specific times and locations, we encourage people to call (570) 244-8838 or visit our Facebook page. Our team will help guide them to the program that best meets their needs.”

For county residents in need, no matter their circumstances, Holly offers reassurance: “No one should hesitate to ask for help. We’re here to walk alongside you and make sure you have what you need — with dignity, compassion, and love.”

TNLC’s reach spans across the bi-county area, providing food to residents of Lock Haven, Linden, Jersey Shore, Nippenose Valley, Waterville, Cammal, Slate Run, Avis, Woolrich, McElhattan, and Renovo. 

Food distributions take place multiple times each month at TNLC’s Annex, located at 263 Henry Street, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. In November 2025, distributions are scheduled for the following dates:

• Tuesday, November 4 and 18: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 5 and 19: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 6 and 20: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 8: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Residents are encouraged to bring reusable bags. No appointment or referral is necessary, but new clients should bring a valid ID for registration.

The New Love Center (TNLC) addresses food insecurity in our community through a wide range of programs designed to assist residents of all ages and backgrounds. Eligibility for food assistance extends to low-income individuals and families, those earning at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, children needing support beyond the meals they receive at school, veterans, seniors on fixed incomes, single parents, working families experiencing financial hardship, and anyone facing unexpected financial difficulties.

One of the cornerstone initiatives is the Pantry Choice Food Distribution, based at the organization’s Annex. This program allows clients to select nutritious foods that best suit their needs, creating a personalized and dignified shopping experience. Registration is simple—new clients need only bring an ID. Highlighting this program’s impact locally, Holly shared, “From Clinton County, in this program, we served approximately 947 individuals— 400 households, for our first quarter.” 

For individuals living with diabetes, TNLC’s Fresh Food Farmacy—developed in partnership with Geisinger—provides food-insecure clients with nutritious foods, health coaching services, and individualized nutrition guidance. The program supports those with A1C levels above 8.0 by providing enough food for 10 healthy meals per week, empowering clients to make healthier choices for a healthier lifestyle. 

Children receive vital food assistance through TNLC’s Backpack Program, which supplies over 200 food-filled backpacks to students in the Jersey Shore Area School District to take home every weekend. Additionally, TNLC recently introduced a School Snack Pantry in the Keystone Central School District in response to requests from multiple elementary schools. The first pantry, established at Robb Elementary, now provides nutritious snacks to 392 students throughout the school day and after school. “This helps address hunger-related barriers to learning and promotes student well-being,” Holly explained, pointing out that research shows a strong connection between household food insecurity and bullying among students.

TNLC also extends its assistance to veterans through the Military Shares program, operated in partnership with the George W. Pepperman Post 36 American Legion. Through this program, veterans receive a monthly food box, with distributions taking place on the third Thursday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Military ID required).

Seniors can access additional food assistance through the Elder Share program, which provides supplemental food boxes to individuals aged 60 and older. Eligible clients receive a second food box in addition to their regular monthly distribution, helping to better meet their nutritional needs.

To serve residents in rural areas or those with limited transportation, TNLC operates a Mobile Food Pantry that provides food assistance to hundreds of individuals and families each month. “Currently, we serve 444 individuals—196 families across two locations [in] Lock Haven and Renovo,” Holly reported.

TNLC’s Café, located at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1407 Allegheny Street in Jersey Shore (accessible via the Glover Street entrance), warmly welcomes everyone to stop by for a free, nutritious lunch in a comfortable setting. Open Monday through Friday, the Café serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with coffee available after 8:30 a.m. Guests can enjoy a variety of healthy lunch options prepared by a ServSafe-certified cook. The Café is open to the public at no cost, offering a welcoming space for coffee, conversation, and community connection.

Through this wide range of programs, TNLC has delivered both emergency and long-term food support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across the region. However, the organization is now seeking assistance from the community.

The numbers are clear: “Last month we served 2,007 individuals in our Pantry Choice and Mobile Pantry—1,240 at our Café, and approximately 800 students in our school programs,” Holly reported. “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.”

When it comes to supporting TNLC’s mission, Holly pointed to several ways the community can get involved. “Ways the community can help include: Donating non-perishable food—especially cereal, pasta, canned proteins, and vegetables; becoming a volunteer at the pantry, Café, or mobile distribution sites; or making a monetary gift online at thenewlovecenter.com to help purchase essential food items.” She emphasized that every contribution, regardless of its size, makes a difference. “Even one can of food donated, one hour of volunteering, or a one-dollar donation makes an impact. It all adds up to hope for our neighbors.”

Although food donations are needed, Holly noted that monetary donations are also impactful, as 100% of these funds go directly toward purchasing food for those in need.

In closing, Holly reminded anyone who might be interested in lending a hand at TNLC, “When you volunteer at The New Love Center, you’re not just giving your time — you’re giving hope and helping us share the love of Christ with our community.”

For more information about The New Love Center—including how to make a donation, volunteer, or receive food assistance—call 570-244-8838 or visit the website linked below. For the latest news and updates, follow The New Love Center on Facebook.

Website: www.thenewlovecenter.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thenewlovecenter 

Email: info@newlovecenter.com 

 With dedicated leadership and compassionate volunteers, The New Love Center is steadfast in its mission to ensure that “no one in our area goes without support.”