The Emerging Erie Fund awarded its largest grant to date, $100,000, to the Second Harvest Food Bank during a ceremony today, supporting the launch of the Second Harvest Marketplace, a new Healthy Pantry Initiative (HPI) food pantry opening this summer on Erie’s east side.

Located at 803 East Avenue inside the renovated UPMC Community Center, the Marketplace will operate as a free, walk through grocery store offering healthy food, nutrition education, and access to additional community services. It specifically targets residents in Erie’s 16503 ZIP code, a known food desert.

“This is more than a food pantry; it’s a model for how we can address food insecurity with dignity, education, and partnerships that drive long term impact,” said Nick Cianci, Chair of the Emerging Erie Fund.

The grant will fund essential infrastructure, marketing, and staffing to ensure the Marketplace’s success in its first year. The initiative is part of a statewide effort by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to combat food insecurity and promote better health outcomes across underserved communities.