Food Insecurity Summit: From Understanding to Action

September is Hunger Action Month, a national campaign to raise awareness and inspire action in our communities. On September 12, 2026, the Saint Barnabas Center of Kutztown will host a day-long Food Insecurity Summit to help people in our town and region develop a better understanding about what food insecurity is and the extent to which it impacts our friends and neighbors. The Summit itself will feature Keynote speaker Mignon Verdell from The Food Trust of Philadelphia, as well as two panel discussions featuring experts Jim Reece, Exec. Director of Friend, Inc., LuAnn Oatman, President & CEO of Berks Encore, and Kelly Hojnacki, Asst. Dean of Students-Student Assistance at Kutztown University, Jay Worrall, President of Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, David Lapp, CEO of Blessings of Hope, and Rev. Canon Laura Howell of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Emmaus.

The later half of the day will feature a large resource fair and a free community meal. At the resource fair participants will learn about how to access food assistance in the region; find out more about the rich variety of programs and providers; and identify opportunities to become involved at whatever level participants are able. At the free community meal, you can enjoy the hospitality and generosity of our faith-inspired community center and network with the people drawn to this program and this cause.

We hope that you will consider joining us on the 12th of September for what promises to be a powerful and inspiring event.

To register, visit Stbarnabasktown.org and click on the “register now” button. Registration is not required for attendance, but is encouraged so that we can adequately plan for summit materials and refreshments.