The Keystone State will have its moment on July 20th, which is recognized as National Pennsylvania Day. You don’t have to convince us that PA is worth celebrating! From our iconic food to our beautiful seasonal delights and incredible farmers, makers, small towns and cool stuff to-do, we’re the whole package. Our friends at Feeding PA will be hosting the biggest volunteer event of the year in honor of PA Day, and you’re invited!
Pennsylvania has a rich, long history spanning back 16,000 years to one of the New World’s earliest known sites of human inhabitance at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, an hour southwest of Pittsburgh. The Lenape and Susquehannock peoples thrived in what is now PA, sowing the seeds of today’s agricultural industry until 1680, when William Penn’s charter took effect. In a national context, Philadelphia was an early U.S. capital and held a critical geo-political position, earning the “keystone” moniker.
As the United States nears its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, Congress has formed a Semiquincentennial Commission (bonus points if you can say that out loud) to plan five years of engagement around this momentous occasion. Its PA Chapter, America250PA, has a lot in store, including a podcast, outreach programs, and statewide volunteer opportunities to honor Pennsylvania Day.
“America250PA is a historic initiative that celebrates our Commonwealth’s vibrant past and brings together our communities and leaders to make an even brighter future,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “Volunteerism, neighbors helping neighbors, Pennsylvanians helping Pennsylvanians is exactly how our Commonwealth and our communities have thrived over the last 250 years. When we first launched the initiative, we hoped that Pennsylvania Day would inspire involvement from residents of all ages to lend a helping hand when they have it, and so far, we’ve seen just that and more.”
Feeding PA has partnered with America250PA to will help lead the charge, hosting volunteer events at food banks and pantries across the state on Friday, July 19. This effort is for Pennsylvanians to support their neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The following day, the official Pennsylvania Day on July 20, will be focused on revitalization and beautification of murals and gardens in eight different counties.
Volunteers over the past few years have produced some great numbers:
- Over 800 volunteers
- Over 1,000 meals prepared
- 21,595 boxes packed
- 31,819 pounds of goods packed
Are you interested in being a part of the action as Pennsylvanians join forces? Individuals, groups and clubs can sign up to volunteer, keeping in mind that spots are limited and many are already full. We love to see that community spirit!
Participating hunger relief sites include:
- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Harrisburg
- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Williamsport
- CEO’s H&J Weinberg Food Bank, Pittston
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Duquesne
- Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, Reading
- Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, Pottsville
- Mercer County Food Bank, two locations in Sharon
- Philabundance, Philadelphia
- Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA, Nazareth
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA, Erie
- Westmoreland Food Bank, Delmont
Keep tabs on this great cluster of events by following America250PA on its Facebook and Instagram and Feeding PA on its Facebook and Instagram pages, too. Volunteer sign-ups for both days are open here.
- Photos: Feeding PA and America250PA
