HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Skill, which has skill games manufactured by Pace-O-Matic and Miele Manufacturing, has donated $250,000 to Feeding Pennsylvania.
Feeding Pennsylvania is the state association of Feeding America Food Banks, and funds will help the growing number of families struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 health crisis.
The donation will pay for an average of 750,000 meals for needy families across the commonwealth, according to a press release issued by Pace-O-Matic.
It was also noted that the funds from Pennsylvania Skill will be distributed among Feeding PA’s nine, member food banks that serve all 67 counties.
All food banks are experiencing an alarming rise in need as a result of the economic instability caused by COVID-19, according to the release.
New unemployment claims surpassed 800,000 in Pennsylvania and many of these people are finding that they need food assistance to make ends meet, according to the release.
“… Feeding Pennsylvania is incredibly grateful for the generous contribution from Pennsylvania Skill,” said Jane Clements-Smith, executive director of Feeding Pennsylvania.
“We know that while unemployment numbers skyrocket, the need for essentials, including food, will only increase, and thanks to donors like Pennsylvania Skill, we will … work to ensure that no one in Pennsylvania goes without nutritious food.”
Pennsylvania Skill is made up of the operators and locations that carry legal skill games from Pace-O-Matic and manufactured by Miele Manufacturing.
The charitable food network continues to ramp up efforts to meet the increasing need.
However, the crisis response has also resulted in a significant financial burden for the food banks in procuring additional food, supplies and transportation, according to the release.
Food banks have also urgently relied upon the generosity of donors to support these costs, which include supplies to ensure the health and safety of their employees, volunteers and the clients they serve.
It was noted that the food banks have continued to see a rise in the cost of food from manufacturers going up from between 25 to 40 percent due to consumer demand.
The need for donors will continue as this crisis response is anticipated to last for months, according to the release.
“This is a time when we all must do whatever we can to assist our neighbors and communities,” said Nicole Miele, who runs Pennsylvania Skill Charitable Giving.
“Even before our current economic hardship, one in six children in this state was at risk of hunger. This is a huge need and we want to help.”
Like many industries, Pennsylvania Skill and its customers have been forced to temporarily shut down during the coronavirus crisis.
Despite those economic hardships, Pennsylvania Skill understands money invested in organizations such as Feeding Pennsylvania is critical.
The Feeding Pennsylvania funding is the largest single contribution Pennsylvania Skill has made, according to the release.
Through its charitable giving, the organization regularly donates to community organization, including food banks, volunteer fire departments and social service organizations.
Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill products are manufactured by Miele Manufacturing in Williamsport.
Pennsylvania Skill games are helping to support and grow businesses that were struggling and are now thriving and creating jobs, according to the release.
For example, the revenue generated has become a lifeline to fraternal clubs and organizations across the commonwealth like American Legions, VFWs and local fire companies.
Pennsylvania Skill has donated nearly $1 million to local charities, including food banks, children’s hospitals and senior centers.