The Lancaster County Food Hub (LCFH) is the possessor of one fine title. But perhaps the organization should be called the Lancaster County Food, Clothing and Shelter Hub.

Despite its formal name, LCFH concerns itself with three of the five basic human needs. And because those needs in Lancaster County are great, that makes the local nonprofit's work even more important.

"We just haven't changed our name yet," said Paige McFarling, who's been LCFH's executive director for four years. "We're getting there. I think it's essential that we come up with a name that shows who we are and lets people know what we do."

From a 27,000-square-foot renovated warehouse located at 812 N. Queen St., Lancaster, LCFH provides food, clothing and shelter services for county families and individuals in need. Serving with faith and compassion, LCFH distributes its services without asking questions and with few limitations.

Clients or neighbors are not required to show identification to receive services. LCFH does ask that clients receive food no more than once a calendar month and clothing no more than once every two months.

"We envision a Lancaster County where everyone lives a life of stability and dignity," said McFarling. "We're hoping to build relationships. Basic human needs are what it takes for us to survive. If I'm helping someone with food and clothing, I'm freeing them up for their rent payments. Rent eats first. And if they can make their rent, maybe they can go to the doctor."

In 2024, more than 73,000 visitors received services from LCFH, about 56,000 of whom were food recipients. Many of those LCFH neighbors earn less than 180% of the federal poverty level, and about 60% of those who visit earn too much money to qualify for federal government subsidies.

"They're individuals who cannot make ends meet," said McFarling, a resident of Lititz. "We support hundreds of unsheltered neighbors each year. By and large, they're Lancaster County residents, but we don't turn away anyone who comes. We're going to make sure you get what you need. You just walk in the door. We help them find resources in their areas of need."

The need is profound, and the demand is growing.

In 2024, LCFH provided 28% more services than it did in the previous year. This year, LCFH is on pace to provide 45% more services than it did in 2024.

"For people who are heavily subsidized by government funding, it's getting worse," said McFarling. "Those living in poverty are struggling. This long-term economic uncertainty is leading to desperate times for our clients and neighbors."

LCFH employs 10 staff members, some on a full-time basis and others on a part-time one, and its work is supported by more than 100 active volunteers. Much of the nonprofit's food and clothing are donated, and the organization is funded through grants and donations from community members, churches, foundations and corporations.

"I get to live my values every day," said McFarling. "I put great value in the idea that we can all stand in the community and be better. We can try to make things better for each other and we can do that lovingly, mercifully and with humility."

LCFH was originally established in 1947 as the Lancaster County Council of Churches. The organization moved to its current location in 2014, and then, through a strategic planning inititative, was renamed in 2019.

"It started as a collection of churches that wanted to do a number of things," said McFarling. "They thought they could do more in the community together than alone. There were all denominations involved. Their first undertaking was the clothing bank, and out of that grew the food bank, and they started providing other services as well. As the council grew, they were relied upon by the community to be responsive. Food and clothing were always a need, and shelter. Over the years, the basic commitment to human needs has remained."

"Over the last couple of years, we've worked very hard to get the name out and let people know who we are and what we do," McFarling continued. "We're probably (still) in the process of letting people know what they'll find here when they come."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancasterfoodhub.org.