Have a beer, help the hungry during Hops for Hunger campaign in Pennsylvania

Breweries across Pennsylvania are offering patrons a way to help feed the hungry through the inaugural Hops for Hunger campaign taking place during November.

“Pennsylvania is one of the preeminent brewing states in the nation, boasting over 400 breweries — and the number is growing. But just as our brewery scene is increasing, so is the number of food-insecure families and individuals across the state,” according to a statement from Feeding Pennsylvania, the sponsoring organization. “In fact, nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians struggle with hunger every day — including nearly 500,000 children.”

Feeding Pennsylvania is working with PA Eats and Breweries in PA for the monthlong fundraiser during which participating breweries will donate proceeds from a beer of their choice, or host other fundraising promotions or special events.

Participating Western Pennsylvania breweries include Mindful Brewing Co. with locations in Castle Shannon and Carnegie; Mondays Brewing Co. in McMurray; and Whitehorse Brewing LLC, which has a taproom in Berlin, Somerset County and operates Whitehorse Brewing at the Street in North Strabane, Washington County.

“We plan to raise funds by donating 5% of every Mindful beer purchased to the campaign,” said Zack Woods, Mindful Brewing’s event and sales manager. “Mindful focuses a lot of effort in community programs, and we were ecstatic when I came across this opportunity online while researching prospective events and organizations to partner with.”

Whitehorse Brewing will donate partial proceeds from one beer each week during the month, beginning each Saturday. Promotions include Honey Bear Kolsch, Nov. 6; Falls Cut Ale, Nov. 13; Pious IPA, Nov. 20; and The Bog cranberry wheat ale, Nov. 27.

“We’re always looking for ways to help our community and our neighbors,” said Whitehorse sales manger Susan Walker. “Times are trying anyway and hunger is the last thing anyone should have to worry about. It’s becoming more and more of a problem, unfortunately.”

Mondays will donate $1 from each sale of a different beer featured weekly, starting Nov. 4 with its wheat beer. On Nov. 24, Mondays will donate $1 from every pint sold in the taproom.

“Thanksgiving seems like a good time to make sure folks are supported with regard to food scarcity,” said Sam Fee, Mondays owner/brewer. “Beer quality is our priority, but just as important to us is our taproom community and the ideal of community support.”

Tying things together

The Hops for Hunger concept came from Corinne Foster, Feeding Pennsylvania’s community manager, who also blogs about the central Pennsylvania food and drink scene under the name Fosterthefoodie.

Through her blog, Foster incorporates ways of encouraging people to support local restaurants while raising awareness and funds for anti-hunger efforts.

“During the pandemic, I was seeing the restaurant industry struggling, along with the increase in food insecurity,” Foster said. “This was my way of tying those two things together.”

She approached Feeding Pennsylvania about taking her localized efforts statewide.

“We are so fortunate to have Fosterthefoodie on staff and to have her integrating the great work she does with us with her passion for local restaurants,” said Jane Clements, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania. “Collaborations with organizations like Breweries in PA and PA Eats help to expand our work and raise awareness and funds to ensure that no one in Pennsylvania goes without food.”

“Like our partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania, the inaugural Hops for Hunger campaign truly embodies the spirit of PA Eats — uniting our passion for Pennsylvania food and drink with our passion for helping others,” said PA Eats executive director Jessica Darr.

Breweries in Pennsylvania, with a combined total of more than 60,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram, will share upcoming events, specials and promotions for the Hops for Hunger campaign at breweriesinpa.com.

Interested breweries can join the campaign at any time during November, Foster said.

“We’re setting a goal of $1,000 for them, but it’s just a goal,” she said. “Whatever they are able to raise is good.”

Information for breweries, along with a list of participants and events can be found at feedingpa.org.