Sam Applefield, Coordinator of the Montgomery County Food Policy Council, has been appointed to the Governor’s Food Policy Advisory Committee in Pennsylvania. This committee, established by Governor Josh Shapiro, aims to strengthen the state’s food system to address the growing issue of food insecurity.
Applefield expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating, “I am honored to serve on the Governor’s Food Policy Advisory Committee to bring Montgomery County’s perspectives to this statewide effort. Our communities are seeing a rising need, but we are also seeing powerful local solutions.”
Addressing Food Insecurity in Pennsylvania
The Governor’s Food Policy Advisory Committee focuses on coordinating initiatives among various state agencies, fostering public-private partnerships, and identifying strategies to improve access to food. This effort comes as the state faces significant challenges related to food insecurity, particularly in Montgomery County, which is the second wealthiest county in Pennsylvania. According to Feeding America, nearly 42 million people across the United States rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including approximately 63,000 individuals in the local area.
Concerns about food insecurity have intensified in recent times, particularly during the 43-day federal government shutdown last year, which jeopardized assistance for many families dependent on SNAP benefits for sustenance. In response to these pressing issues, Montgomery County has launched initiatives such as the recent opening of a Share Food Program storage warehouse in Hatfield, aimed at alleviating hunger burdens in the community.
Community Efforts and Leadership
Montgomery County commissioners have also allocated additional funding to local food pantries, which reported a 9 percent increase in demand over the past year. This growing need is evident as around 85,000 people in Montgomery County experienced food insecurity in 2023, as reported by Feeding America.
Applefield has led the county’s Food Policy Council since its formation in March 2024. The council consists of seven members who work collaboratively to develop policy recommendations that unify the efforts of various agencies. Members bring expertise from diverse backgrounds, including agriculture, food distribution, and community services.
Applefield has consistently emphasized a multi-pronged approach that prioritizes equity, sustainability, accessibility, and outreach. “In two years at the helm of Montgomery County’s inaugural Food Policy Council, our community has seen the deep, lasting impact that Sam’s leadership has made on food security for our most vulnerable friends and neighbors,” said Jamila Winder, Chairwoman of the Montgomery County Commissioners. “His work has ensured widespread access to food in pantries across the county, while strengthening Montgomery County’s ability to grow, procure, store, and distribute food for many years to come.”
As Applefield begins his role on the Governor’s Food Policy Advisory Committee, his insights and experience from Montgomery County are expected to contribute significantly to the statewide efforts aimed at combating food insecurity across Pennsylvania.
