The New Wilmington Produce Auction and Mercer County Food Bank

How the Mercer County Food Bank Uses PASS Funding to Deliver Fresh, Local Produce

At the Mercer County Food Bank, fresh, local produce is taking center stage thanks to a powerful state initiative and a strong relationship with the local agricultural community.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer, the Mercer County Food Bank team works alongside trusted buyers at the New Wilmington Produce Auction to purchase locally grown produce in bulk.

The types of produce the food bank purchases from the auction depend on what local fields are yielding at that time in the season— flats of ripe tomatoes, bundles of sweet corn, bins of crisp cabbages, and bushels of cucumbers are typically abundant in August.

“The produce is gorgeous,” shares Tom Doyle, Director of Operations at the Mercer County Food Bank. “It looks like something out of a magazine; it really is very nice quality.”

Once purchased through the auction, the bulk produce is transported directly to the food bank’s facility. There, dedicated volunteers sort, organize and bag the produce so it can be quickly dispersed across the county through several key programs, including through their Mobile Pantry, MilitaryShare distributions, and as fresh food supplements alongside shelf-stable senior food boxes.

A Fresh Approach to Food Boxes

These senior food boxes are provided by the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), a program subsidized and managed by the federal government and carried out by food banks across the country. The program provides monthly boxes of shelf-stable foods to supplement the diets of low-income seniors.

A few years ago, the food bank had about 450 seniors registered to receive a box every month, but not every recipient was picking up the box as they were supposed to.

That changed when the food bank began providing produce from the New Wilmington Produce Auction with each box.

Because recipients can now receive this fresh produce in addition to the shelf-stable food provided by CSFP, the food bank currently distributes 500 boxes per month— and they have a waiting list.

“We make sure we try to include fresh produce, frozen meats, and dairy with the senior boxes whenever we can,” says Tom. “We want them to get a nice variety of groceries from us.”

PA Funds for PA Farmers: The Impact of PASS Funding

The food bank is able to purchase bulk produce from the auction with funding from the PA Agricultural Surplus System (PASS), a state program that allows food banks to buy Pennsylvania grown and produced products directly from local farmers and auctions. Not only does this funding help to support local agriculture economies, but it also gives food banks more agency and choice regarding the foods they purchase for distribution.

While food banks used to greatly rely on traditional food donations from large grocers in order to have food to distribute, the frequency and amount of these donations have decreased significantly in recent years as retailers redirect items to commercial auctions or build internal discount sections. Additionally, donated retail goods require food banks to devote many volunteer hours to sorting.

Now, with the support of PASS funding, food banks don’t have to solely rely on traditional food donations, enabling them to provide an array of food to neighbors.  

“I think it’s wonderful that we’re using Pennsylvania funds to support Pennsylvania farmers and feed Pennsylvania residents,” says Doyle. “I can’t find any downside to the program. I mean, I think it’s great.”

Supporting Local Farms, Season After Season

In addition to working with the New Wilmington Produce Auction, Mercer County Food Bank also partners with vendors at the Sharon Produce Market. At the end of market days, farmers donate unsold produce rather than transport it back to their farms. Volunteers collect the fresh items and transport them to the food bank for immediate distribution to local pantry partners.

Farmers who participate receive tax credits through Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which rewards businesses and private partners for contributing to vital community initiatives.

“The produce donated from the market is perfect for our agencies, and we get it out the door as fast as it comes in,” says Doyle. “It’s been a great way for us to establish relationships with local farmers.”

And when the Sharon Produce Market and New Wilmington Produce Auction close for the winter, the food bank’s commitment to local sourcing doesn’t stop. They pivot to growers like Brian Campbell Farms and small local growers met through the market and auction who produce storable winter crops like potatoes.

“I’ve got one guy, Amos, who I buy potatoes from in the fall,” Doyle notes. “He’s located off the beaten path outside of New Wilmington. We met through the auction. It’s nice that we’re able to support small farms like that.”

Nourishing Communities, Strengthening Agriculture

The work being done at the Mercer County Food Bank proves that hunger relief and agricultural support go hand in hand. Through strategic auction buying, PASS dollars, and grassroots farmer partnerships, fresh produce is moving quickly from local fields to the tables of families, seniors and veterans across the county.

Through using PASS funding to purchase locally grown produce, the Mercer County Food Bank proves that this program strengthens the local economy, reduces food waste, and ensures every neighbor has access to high-quality, nutritious produce all year long.