Stroudsburg Community Food Resource Center seeking location, board members

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As inflation continues to strain household budgets, one community member is stepping up to help residents in need. A new initiative, the Stroudsburg Community Food Resource Center, aims to combat food insecurity while fostering collaboration among local organizations.

Josh Loomis, one of the project’s lead organizers, says the demand for food support has never been greater.

“As we all know, the economy is in a little bit of trouble right now, and inflation is high,” said Loomis.

This growing nonprofit, based in Stroudsburg, is focused on addressing food insecurity for one person at a time. By uniting local government, the Pocono Interfaith Council, nonprofits, and community members, Loomis hopes to build a network of support that streamlines access to resources for those who need them most.

“Everyone is free to join this group. The more people we have on the board, the better,” he said.

While the organization’s primary mission is to feed people and fill empty stomachs, Loomis sees a larger opportunity, bringing the community together. People from different religious backgrounds are collaborating to help people, and it “could become a model for other local communities to do the same,” said Loomis.

His vision includes creating a centralized hub for food and other human services without placing the burden on a single organization. Instead, the goal is to share responsibilities for the good of the entire community.

Although the center does not yet have a physical location, plans are underway to secure a space in central Stroudsburg, ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of transportation.

“We don’t want anyone to have to drive. That would eliminate the vast majority of the homeless community that’ll be able to access these resources,” he said.

The team is still seeking additional board members and community partners to join the mission.

Anyone interested in getting involved can reach out to Josh Loomis at [email protected].

Emmanuella Pierre is the trending and breaking news reporter at the Pocono Record. Reach her at [email protected].