Green Party Applauds Free Food Distribution

As the Secretary of the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), I was glad the Steering Committee of the GPPA moved on March 1 to recognize the excellent work being done by non-profit organizations to feed hungry citizens of our Commonwealth. The Green Party admires a broad trend of political and activist organizations in Pennsylvania which have stepped up to meet immediate community needs through food distribution.GPPA Delegate Chris Robinson (Philadelphia) tells me, “Thirteen percent of our neighbors are living with food insecurity. That comes to 1,710,480 people in the Keystone State, and 475,230 of them are children. The Green Party platform says: ‘All people have a right to food, housing, medical care, jobs that pay a living wage, education, and support in times of hardship.’”

For my part, I grew up food insecure, and for much of my adult life I have continued to experience food insecurity even while working 40 hours a week. Access to food should never depend on whether someone is working hard enough. Having personally known what it feels like to wonder how you’re going to eat, this issue is not abstract to me. It is deeply personal.

I have also had the privilege of working alongside Green Party Co-chair Colleen Schmotzer to help distribute food to those in need. Those efforts have been some of the most meaningful work I have been part of. There is something profoundly grounding about meeting immediate human needs directly and collectively.

Therefore, it brings me great joy to see the Green Party publicly applauding and recognizing these kinds of efforts. Political organizing should not only be about policy. It should also be about care, solidarity, and ensuring that no one in our communities goes hungry.

GPPA Co-Chair Colleen Schmotzer told me, “Growing up, my family relied on food banks and welfare. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for four kids, and I saw firsthand the struggles of food insecurity. That experience shaped my perspective, and it’s why I strongly support these initiatives. I understand the challenges families face, and I believe everyone deserves access to nutritious food. These efforts provide critical support to those in need, and I’m proud to stand with them.”

Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists of America
Recurring Hot Food Distribution (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) serving community members directly.

Steel City Food Not Bombs
Longstanding grassroots meal sharing rooted in anti-poverty and anti-war principles.

Harrisburg Democratic Socialists of America
Mutual aid and community care efforts including food distribution and supply drives.

Food Not Bombs
Ongoing free meal distribution and public food shares.

Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America
Community fridge support, mutual aid networks, and recurring food access efforts.

Food Not Bombs
Regular public meal distributions serving un-housed and low-income residents.

Bryarr Misner is the Secretary of the Green Party of Pennsylvania and a member of the Green Party of Allegheny County.