(York, PA, November 19, 2025) The York County Community Foundation’s (YCCF) Hahn Home Fund for Embracing Aging has awarded a $10,000 grant to the York County Food Bank to enhance its Senior Box Program, which provides vital food assistance to older adults across York County.
Each month, the York County Food Bank distributes approximately 2,000 senior food boxes to low-income individuals age 60 and older. Many of these older adults are homebound or have limited access to transportation. These boxes are a lifeline for many who rely on the program to stretch their fixed incomes. Each package includes nutritious, senior-friendly food items designed to support overall health and well-being.
With funding from YCCF’s Hahn Home Fund for Embracing Aging, the Food Bank enhanced the contents of these boxes with additional shelf-stable food items that further meet seniors’ nutritional needs. The funding is also helping to extend support to additional older adults who are currently not being reached through the existing distribution network.
This support comes at a critical time. The federal government shutdown and temporary freeze on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits left many York County seniors worried about their ability to access enough food. The grant allowed the Food Bank to respond quickly and compassionately, ensuring that older adults throughout the county continued to receive the food they need.
To reach homebound older adults, the York County Food Bank partners with DoorDash to deliver boxes directly to recipients’ homes—preserving both access and dignity for those unable to travel. Additional distribution takes place through the Food Bank’s network of partner agencies and senior sites located throughout the county.
“We know that 50% of older adult households in York County live on limited or constrained incomes, and unexpected disruptions—like the recent SNAP benefit freeze—can make it even harder for them to get enough nutritious food,” said Cathy Bollinger, of the York County Community Foundation. “The York County Food Bank’s Senior Box Program is a compassionate, effective way to address the overall health and well-being of our older neighbors and community members across the county. We’re honored to support their work through this grant.”
“The Embracing Aging grant has helped us ensure that seniors in York County don’t have to choose between food and other essentials. At a time when need is rising and resources are stretched, this support means dignity and security for thousands of older adults,” shared Jennifer Brillhart, York County Food Bank President & CEO.
The York County Food Bank has seen the need for its programs continue to grow. At a recent food distribution event in November there was a 79% increase in individuals served, compared to the same time in October. Food pantry partners have reported surges of over 50% in participation as families and seniors struggle to keep up with rising costs and reduced benefits.
This grant is just one of the ways YCCF supported our community during the SNAP benefit pause. Through grants from the Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund, 2,275 families received a $100 grocery voucher to serve as a bridge until SNAP benefits were restored. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, YCCF has the flexibility to respond to urgent community challenges in multiple ways—helping to ensure that York County residents of all ages have the resources they need to thrive.
The Hahn Home Fund for Embracing Aging, managed by the York County Community Foundation, was created to enhance the quality of life for older adults in York County by supporting programs serving people age 50 and older.
For more information about the York County Food Bank and how to support its programs, visit www.yorkfoodbank.org
