HARRISBURG, PA – On March 25, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) will become a forum for discussion, insight, and action focused on addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and health disparities.

The Hunger, Homelessness & Health Summit – hosted by Downtown Daily Bread and Harrisburg University – will bring together leaders, advocates, and changemakers to discuss solutions, share resources, and create a more equitable future.

The moment has arrived to turn words into good works – and good food. This transformative event seeks to create a platform to engage in meaningful conversations, share innovative solutions, and promote collaborations that will make a tangible impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity, housing instability, and health disparities.

Speakers, Panelists, and Event Details

Speakers will include Corrie Lingenfelter (Executive Director) and Mieshia Jackson (Director of Operations) of Downtown Daily Bread. George Chochos (Executive Director, Bethesda Mission) will provide opening remarks.

Panelists will include Harrisburg University’s Dr. Rachel Fogle (Program Lead of Environmental Science),Dennise Hill (Executive Director, Brethren Housing Association), Joe Arthur (Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank), and Randie Yeager (Director, Dauphin County Human Services). Tina Nixon, a 30-year advocate for mental health and human services, and current candidate for the PA House of Representatives 103^rd District, will moderate the panel discussion.

A Partnership for a More Equitable Future

In 2024, the kitchen at Downtown Daily Bread served over 92,200 meals. In an average day, around 260 individuals eat meals, 70 people take showers, and 95 people pick up their mail at this critical neighborhood resource and gathering place. Often an overlooked factor contributing to homelessness, having a secure location where unhoused individuals can receive mail is crucial because it provides a stable point of contact for essential services, job opportunities, legal documents, and personal connections.

Harrisburg University seeks to bring attention and solutions to the challenge of food insecurity using the lens of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. The HU Aquaponics Team, led by Dr. Rachel Fogle, works with academic and industry partners to bring novel research and technologies into the agricultural industry – finding new ways to increase the abundance of fresh produce available in urban areas, food deserts, and other places where traditional agriculture falls short or isn’t feasible.

All Are Welcome to Attend

All who feel called to answer the challenges of hunger, homelessness, and health inequities are gratefully and enthusiastically invited to attend. The Summit will take place at the Harrisburg University Academic Tower on March 25, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM EDT. The Academic Tower is located at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg.

To attend and add your voice to this movement, please register today at Eventbrite – and encourage your friends and family to attend as well! All are welcome and admission is free. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all panelists and attendees.

If you have any questions, please contact Mieshia Jackson, Director of Operations at Downtown Daily Bread, at 717.460.5471.

We hope to see you there!

ABOUT DOWNTOWN DAILY BREAD

In Harrisburg, there are hundreds of individuals who live unsheltered. At Downtown Daily Bread, they find meals, shelter, personal items, counseling, connections, and hope. Since 1983, Downtown Daily Bread has been a gateway to basic human services for homeless and hungry individuals – offering a soup kitchen with weekday breakfast and dinner, daily lunch meals, a day shelter and night shelter, and numerous assistance programs to help people get back on their feet.

ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY

Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.