Mount Nittany Health is fortunate to have incredible team members who contribute to our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community,” by helping some of the most vulnerable in the Centre region. We know that eating healthy, nutritious food plays an important role in contributing to overall wellness. So recently, Laboratory Services at Mount Nittany Medical Center worked together to address local food insecurity through the YMCA of Centre County’s “Canuary” Food Drive.

Earlier this year, the YMCA of Centre County faced a shelf stable food shortage and looked to the community for help with its Canuary Food Drive. The Canuary Food Drive directly supports the YMCA’s Anti-Hunger Programs, which include the Backpack Program, serving all local school districts; the Fresh Express Food Distribution Truck, which provides fresh food to those experiencing food insecurity in the surrounding areas; the Ripken Food Delivery Project, which provides food delivery service to shut-ins and those who don’t have a steady means of transportation; and other food programs like the Emergency Food Box Project and The Farm Project.

The goal of the food drive was to collect as many non-perishable food items as possible, with the aim of making a difference in the lives of those who may be struggling to put food on their tables this winter. The Lab staff members stepped up to the challenge and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

The YMCA of Centre County expressed its gratitude on the organization’s Facebook page: “Thank you to Mount Nittany Medical Center’s Lab staff for taking part in the ‘Canuary’ Food Drive. Businesses and organizations have been wrapping their arms around their communities to make sure children and families have the food they need. These businesses and organizations are making a difference in the lives of others.”

The Canuary Food Drive was not only about collecting food for those in need, but it also served as a powerful teambuilding exercise with Lab Services working together toward a common goal. The success of the food drive was a testament to the kindness and generosity of Mount Nittany Health’s incredible employees and it is a great example of how a small effort can make a big difference in the lives of others.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the Canuary Food Drive and supporting those in our community who need it most. Thank you for the inspiring work you do and for contributing to our mission of, “Healthier people, stronger community.”