State Sen. Mike Brubaker has introduced legislation that would encourage businesses to contribute to regional food banks. Senate Bill 634 would require the Department of Community and Economic Development to give special consideration to food banks when considering applications for the Neighborhood Assistance Program. The program offers tax credits to serve as incentives for businesses to contribute to worthy causes in the community, such as food banks, affordable housing, crime prevention, education and job training.
Brubaker, a Warwick Township Republican, represents the 36th Senate district and co-chairs the legislative Hunger Caucus. In a statement, he said recent revisions to the Neighborhood Assistance Program have made it more difficult for Pennsylvania’s food banks to compete for funding. Tax credits allocated to Pennsylvania food banks dropped from $4.2 million in 2008-09 to $2.8 million in 2009-10.
“The Neighborhood Assistance Program provides essential funding to ensure that food banks can continue to help those in need,” Brubaker said in announcing his legislation. “The recession has drastically increased demand for services at food banks throughout the state, so it is important to ensure that they have access to the resources they need to continue serving our communities.”
