The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) was designed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. TEFAP provides the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania with high quality, retail-size frozen and dry food products for distribution to member food pantries.
Second Harvest serves as the lead agency for storing and distributing government TEFAP food to member food pantries in Clarion, Erie, Forest and Jefferson counties at no cost to the agencies. These locations distribute the grocery items directly to those in need.
TEFAP reimburses Second Harvest for a portion of costs associated with obtaining and distributing the food. Second Harvest is responsible for the remaining, uncovered portion of the costs.
Eligibility requirements effective July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027, are as follows:
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
| Household of 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 | $568 |
| Household of 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 | $770 |
| Household of 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 | $972 |
| Household of 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 | $1,175 |
| Household of 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 | $1,377 |
| Household of 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 | $1,579 |
| Household of 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 | $1,781 |
| Household of 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 | $1,983 |
| For each additional family member add: |
$10,508 | $876 | $203 |
If you have any questions regarding this program or would like additional information, please call the food line at 814-459-3663 x 117.
