History & Purpose

Shippensburg Produce and Outreach (SPO) began in 2008 when concerned community members discussed ways to assist food insecure households’ ability to access produce. Our organization was mentored by Project SHARE as we learned and grew into the organization we are today. SPO achieved nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in January 2014 and is now operated as an independent organization with a board that includes volunteers and clients. Now serving over 4,150 people per month with our drive-through distribution program, SPO also conducts site deliveries to nearly 80 home-bound residents.

SPO strives to continue to meet the needs of food insecure neighbors in Cumberland and Franklin Counties even as food costs continue to rise. We have developed partnerships with local businesses and organizations such as Walmart, Weis, Giant, Aldi, Shippensburg University Farm, the Gleaning Project of South-Central PA, and area farmers to reduce food waste by accepting donations of gleaned, excess harvest. SPO also expends $15,000 monthly to purchase additional bulk foods primarily from Central PA Food Bank for weekly distribution.

Financial support to SPO comes from grant funding, individuals, community organizations and clubs, and local churches. Many of these same groups also donate their time every Tuesday to gather, bag, and distribute the food. We welcome volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds, and are proud to be an equal opportunity provider.

We also participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Senior Box program, and provide information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Senior Boxes are distributed to registered, eligible recipients on the third and fourth Tuesday each month.