Second Harvest Marketplace Brings Dignity Centered Food Access to Erie

Food insecurity remains a pressing challenge in the Erie community. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, more than 12,500 children in Erie County—over 22%—experience food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. This reality underscores why the recent opening of the Second Harvest Marketplace of Northwestern Pennsylvania is such a vital resource for families seeking stability, dignity, and support close to home.

With a grand opening celebration held January 14, the Erie community was introduced to a friendly, free‑food grocery market that closely resembles a traditional grocery store while allowing residents to shop in a welcoming and dignified environment. What makes the marketplace especially unique is its location: the Second Harvest Food Bank operates directly out of the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Although individuals regularly visit the Neighborhood Center to access a variety of community-focused services, both UPMC Health Plan members and nonmembers alike can shop for fresh produce, dairy items such as eggs, frozen meats, and shelf-stable groceries at no cost.

“The marketplace is more than just distributing food,” said Gregory D. Hall, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania. “It’s about creating a welcoming, dignified experience where our neighbors feel supported and valued. We’re honored to meet families where they are and walk alongside them with resources, food, and support.”

Appointments are scheduled in advance, and when community members arrive, they are greeted by Second Harvest volunteers and staff who answer questions and guide them through the marketplace. This model allows individuals and families to make their own food selections—an approach designed to restore choice, respect, and autonomy.

Being co-located within the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center also provides convenient access to additional community resources, information, and support services under 1 roof.

“We’re proud to welcome the Second Harvest Marketplace to the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center,” said Brendan J. Harris, president of UPMC for You and State Programs, UPMC Health Plan. “Through this collaboration with Second Harvest, we’re strengthening communities and promoting healthier lives.”

For many visitors, the impact of the marketplace goes far beyond food. One client shared how this resource impacted him during a difficult period in his life:

“I found the Neighborhood Center by accident during a really bad time in my life. Drevell and Susmita, who is now my community health worker, took the time to truly help me when I needed it most. I now shop at the Second Harvest Marketplace, and the giving table has been such a blessing. I was able to get a winter coat and boots, and I even donated 2 winter hats I wasn’t using so they could help someone else. The staff and services here have truly been a blessing.”
— Bryon R, Marketplace client

In just a short time since opening in October 2025, the Second Harvest Marketplace has already served more than 848 households and 2,01 individuals on a recurring basis, indicating a consistent need. Operating 5 days each week, the marketplace is quickly becoming a cornerstone resource for Erie families, demonstrating how innovative partnerships and dignity‑centered solutions can help address food insecurity while strengthening the overall health of the community.