SCRANTON, PA. – Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF), and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counties are joining forces to fight local food insecurity. On Wednesday, officials announced the return of the Heart of Scranton virtual fundraising effort to take place through the month of November to address this important issue.
“Earlier this year, our Hunger Task Force raised the alarm about food security issues in Scranton getting increasingly worse. When times are tough, we known Scranton residents band together to help their neighbors, showing the true heart of this community,” Mayor Cognetti said. “The need for this fundraiser right now isn’t just a reminder of food insecurity during the winter or the holidays. It will also support those around us who may be affected by the pending lapse in food assistance benefits caused by the federal government shutdown.”
“At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we see every day how acts of generosity can strengthen and sustain our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through the Heart of Scranton Virtual Fundraiser Fund, we’re honored to help channel that generosity into meaningful impact—supporting local organizations that ensure our neighbors have access to food and essential resources. This partnership with the City of Scranton reflects what we do best: bring people and resources together to build a stronger, more resilient community.”
The Heart of Scranton initiative builds on the success of the original virtual fundraiser held in 2020, which was spearheaded by Mayor Cognetti in partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation. That campaign raised more than $180,000 in less than 48 hours to support organizations addressing food insecurity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2025 fundraiser will support four local agencies that are members of the City’s Hunger Task Force: Bread Basket of NEPA, CHOP Out Hunger, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center, and Meals on Wheels.
Beginning November 1, individuals may donate to Heart of Scranton online by visiting www.safdn.org/heart. Donors can choose a single organization or support the entire Heart of Scranton effort with donations evenly split between participating groups.
The City of Scranton and SACF have partnered regularly to address local food insecurity issues. In addition to the original Heart of Scranton fundraiser, the City and SACF each provided $10,000 to the Lackawanna Food Policy Council (FPC) Fund in December 2024 to support the creation of an FPC navigator position to strengthen collaboration among member agencies.
The return of Heart of Scranton was initially intended to provide help during the colder months and holiday season. Following recent events, the fundraiser unfortunately also comes as an estimated 42 million U.S. residents who receive federal food assistance risk losing their benefits because of the ongoing federal government shutdown.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 15 percent of Pennsylvania residents received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in 2024. About 39 percent of those recipients are children aged 17 and under. Feeding America’s statistics show that, as of 2023, nearly 33,000 people in Lackawanna County are considered food insecure, with numbers climbing each year since 2021.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020. Her administration is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Last modified: October 29, 2025
