State Sen. Lindsey Williams hosts food drive in Harrison, Ross

State Sen. Lindsey Williams is hosting a food drive to benefit local families.

Her office at Heights Plaza in Harrison is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. In addition, donations will be collected at her Ross office along McKnight Road.

Proceeds will benefit Feeding the Flock in Cheswick and North Hills Community Outreach.

The most-needed items include canned vegetables, soup, boxed meals, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, paper products and hygiene necessities.

“Over the last week, we’ve seen some big wins for food security locally and nationally,” Williams said. “It’s important to me that every child, family and senior in Pennsylvania has the food and dignity they deserve.”

The state legislature last week passed a $50.1 billion budget which includes an $11 million increase for the State Food Purchase Program and Farmers’ Market Voucher program.

The State Food Purchase Program provides grants to help food banks buy staples. The Farmers’ Market Voucher program provides income-eligible seniors the chance to get fresh produce at summer farmers markets.

In addition, the federal government passed its budget, funding SNAP through 2026.

“Despite these legislative fixes, food insecurity continues to affect families across Pennsylvania, especially our kids and our seniors,” Williams said.

“No one in the richest country in the world should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.”

The food drive runs through Dec. 1.