HARRISBURG - Legislative Hunger Caucus Senate Chair Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) and House Chair Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden today with local and state leaders as they reflected on another impactful harvesting season and the need for communities to have access to fresh food options.

"Our Hunger Garden is a shining example of how we can support and strengthen our communities across the commonwealth, assisting some of our most vulnerable neighbors," Vogel said. "Whether you donate your own produce or contribute to your local food banks or volunteer your time at an area soup kitchen - these small actions making a big difference to those who are struggling. I commend all involved in make the Hunger Garden a success and the Downtown Daily Bread for their services to the Harrisburg area."

It takes collaboration between the legislative leaders, the PA Vegetable Growers Association, the Penn State Master Gardeners, the PA Department of General Services, and volunteers to make the garden bountiful each season.

For the 2025 season, Penn State Master Gardeners and volunteers harvested a record 1,192 pounds of vegetables and herbs.

The immense amount of produce able to be gathered means more Harrisburg residents in need will benefit from freshly cooked meals offered at the Downtown Daily Bread.

"With SNAP payments not coming to Pennsylvanians starting November 1 because of the federal shutdown and food banks across Pennsylvania in crisis because of prior federal cuts and our ongoing state budget impasse, our food insecure friends and neighbors are facing even more struggles," Kinkead said. "The Hunger Garden continues to stand as a symbol that we each can do something, no matter how small, to help our friends and neighbors in need. I encourage everyone to volunteer at their local food banks and donate funds if they are able. Hunger is a solvable problem if we, Democrats and Republicans, federal, state, and local governments, elected officials and constituents, come together to end it. We can and we must."

PA Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding shared his perspectives of the impacts of hunger seen statewide, the benefits the Hunger Garden provides, and the role food banks play in PA communities.

"The Capitol Hunger Garden shows what's possible when Pennsylvanians come together with purpose," Redding said. "Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, we're strengthening local food systems so every family has access to fresh, Pennsylvania-grown products. Our farmers and food banks work hand in hand to fight hunger, and efforts like this garden remind us that when we grow together, we grow stronger."

Other speakers included Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Minority Chair Judy Schwank, House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Eddie Day Pashinski, Downtown Daily Bread Executive Director Kristen Herman, Central PA Food Bank CEO Shila Ulrich and Area Master Gardener Coordinator Christa Shoreman.

Established in 2008, the legislative Hunger Caucus seeks to raise awareness for hunger, with the garden being its most visible initiatives.

The Capitol Hunger Garden will open for its 16th season in spring 2026.

VIDEO: Capitol Hunger Garden Closing

CONTACT: Lily Ott (Vogel)
Aaron Troutman (Kinkead)
Shannon Powers (Sec. Redding)