This past November, breweries, wineries, and cideries across Pennsylvania joined forces with Feeding Pennsylvania, Breweries in PA, and PA Eats for the 2nd annual ‘Hops & Vines for Hunger’ campaign to raise funds and awareness to address the ever-present need for hunger relief and nutrition education resources across the state. Together, the participating breweries, wineries, and cideries raised $19,325!
Participation in the campaign took many forms. Some ways that participants successfully raised money this year included donating a percentage of proceeds from a “Hops & Vines For Hunger” special, hosting special events, encouraging patrons to round up and/or add donations to their bill, and so many more awesome fundraisers.
“We are so grateful to all of the participating breweries and wineries for their incredible fundraising efforts in the 2nd annual Hops and Vines for Hunger campaign,” said Jane Clements, Chief Executive Officer of Feeding PA. “Their contribution will help Feeding Pennsylvania food banks ensure that no one in Pennsylvania goes without nutritious food, especially as we head into the holiday season.”
PA Eats Executive Director, Elizabeth Archer, supported Clements high praise stating, “The Hops & Vines for Hunger campaign is an amazing opportunity to connect the PA breweries and wineries we love directly to the fight against hunger and will allow us to continue to provide crucial resources so our neighbors facing food insecurity can make affordable, nutritious meals with the food they receive.”
Breweries in PA also played a significant role in outreach for the event and volunteered their time using their platform to elevate the Hops & Vines for Hunger campaign and promote the events and specials taking place at breweries across the commonwealth throughout the month.
Matt Kozar, Co-Owner of Breweries in PA said, “We are dedicated to promoting breweries across Pennsylvania, and knew we had to volunteer and help. We 100% support this mission, and are happy to be able to help raise money for hunger relief while supporting Pennsylvania craft breweries.”
Proceeds from the campaign will benefit Feeding Pennsylvania’s 9-member food banks to serve Pennsylvanians facing hunger and a portion will support the development of nutrition education resources created by PA Eats. This additional designation towards nutrition education is aimed to highlight the combined mission of Feeding Pennsylvania and PA Eats to not just provide access to fresh, nutritious food – but also educate and provide resources so our neighbors facing hunger feel empowered to prepare nutritious meals for their families.
Stay tuned for next year’s Hops & Vines for Hunger in November 2023! Those interested in joining should visit Feeding PA’s website here. If you’re a craft beer or wine fan, urge your favorite local spot to join us by sending them this article or tagging them on social media, using the hashtag #HopsVinesHungerPA.
