PLAINS TWP. — The workforce development initiative at the Wilkes Barre Career & Technology Center, established by the Food Dignity Movement, empowers students to be a vital connection within the food supply chain, bridging critical gaps and driving progress.
“Through partnerships with local farmers, the food hub ensures that nutrient-dense, locally grown food is distributed effectively, benefiting the students at the WBACTC and vulnerable populations served by 15 nonprofit organizations,” said Clancy Harrison, the founder of the Food Dignity Movement.”
Local, state and federal elected officials on Monday visited the Wilkes Barre Area Career & Technology Center (WBACTC) to learn about the partnership between The Food Dignity Movement, Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board and local farmers.
Harrison said the collaboration established a local agriculture food hub to establish an educational job-training program for two rising high school seniors — Sariah Jones, 17, and Kobby Cazares, 16 — enrolled in the warehouse management career track. Funding for student salaries is reimbursed through the Business-Education Partnership grant.
“The student-led curriculum-based food hub provides an on-site food distribution program for their school,” Harrison said. “The program provides opportunities in food distribution and logistics, offering hands-on experience, while addressing real-world challenges such as food insecurity.”
Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis was represented at Monday’s event by Stephanie Hardman, deputy director of policy and legislation. Lt. Governor Davis provided comments regarding the WBACTC food hub in a news release.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy here in Pennsylvania, and it supports one out of every 10 jobs in the Commonwealth,” Davis said. “When I was a state legislator representing the Mon Valley, I made it a priority to stand up for Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry. And with Gov. Josh Shapiro, we are making agriculture a priority for our administration. That’s because we’re all connected in this Commonwealth — success for a farmer in Luzerne County is connected to the success of a union worker in Allegheny County and vice versa.”
Dr. Anthony Guariglia, administrative director at WBACTC, raved about the program for its many benefits to students and the community.
“Here at WBACTC, students in our logistics and material handling program of study receive and help distribute food to their fellow students,” Guariglia said. “It’s students helping students, it’s students learning and showing both initiative and compassion. I’m so very proud of our students, teachers, staff, our board and our partnerships, who made this possible.”
Harrison said the Food Dignity Movement purchases crops at fair prices, reducing food waste and fostering economic sustainability.
“Student employees gain invaluable skills and career readiness, while nonprofits deliver healthy, fresh, and local food to populations at risk,” Harrison said. “The program builds a resilient, equitable food system that uplifts every stakeholder. By increasing access to fresh produce, supporting small, family-owned farmers, and fostering community-led solutions, the student employees not only meet today’s challenges, but build a foundation for a healthier, more connected future. Our hope is that every Career & Technology Center across Pennsylvania implements this program.”
The two students in the program agree.
“I’m glad we’re part of something that helps so many people,” Cazares said.
Jones added, “I’ve never seen anything like this. The program provides fresh food to people who really need it.”
Local leaders impressed with program
“Food Dignity’s partnership with our local CTCs is a powerful example of what happens when community and education come together to meet real needs,” Mike Cabell, a former state legislator and active U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development state director, said. “Clancy Harrison’s leadership is feeding families and empowering the next generation to serve with purpose.”
Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, said Food Dignity offers an interactive approach to workforce development with a focus on community service.
“The WBACTC Food Hub participants are learning valuable career skills through on-the-job training, as well as good citizenship and concern for others,” Baker said. “It is encouraging to see these students working together to help distribute fresh food from local farmers directly to their neighbors in need.”
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, chair of the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, said Monday’s Food Dignity event at the WBACTC was a powerful reminder of what can happen when compassion, innovation, and education come together for the greater good.
“Hearing how students in the Warehouse & Logistics program work hand-in-hand with Clancy Harrison and the Food Dignity team to address food insecurity is nothing short of inspiring,” Pashinski said. “These young people are not only gaining real-world career skills — they are also learning what it means to serve their community with purpose and empathy.”
Pashinski said the partnership is not only tackling food insecurity — it’s also working directly with local farmers to provide high-quality, fresh, and healthy food, while eliminating food waste.
“It’s a win for families, a win for students, and a win for our local agricultural community,” he said. “Food insecurity often hides in plain sight, and programs like this help bring the issue into the light while offering practical, sustainable solutions. By empowering students to take part in the logistics of food distribution, we’re not only feeding families — we’re growing future leaders who understand the value of dignity and service.”
Pashinski commended everyone involved — the teachers, students, school leaders, local farmers, business owners and Clancy Harrison and her staff — for making this vision a reality.
“This is the kind of community-driven partnership we need more of across the Commonwealth,” he said.
Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, said with help from Food Dignity sourcing healthy food from local farmers, WBACTC can launch a comprehensive job-training program in warehouse management.
“They are committed to equipping the students with practical skills and experience the need to thrive,” Pugh said. “By providing on-the-job training, we’re not only strengthening our students’ roles in the workforce, but also ensuring a bright future for them. Plus, we’re supporting our local farmers by offering fair prices for their incredible products. This is just the beginning, and the possibilities are endless.”