My First Week at Feeding Pennsylvania
By Brett Smith
Greetings! It is with enthusiasm I write to introduce myself as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Feeding Pennsylvania. My path here is a unique one, but I believe my career experiences will help add to our dynamic atmosphere and carry on Feeding Pennsylvania’s mission of promoting and aiding member food banks.
After four years of living in Southern Maryland, my wife and I made the push to get back to Central Pennsylvania. When it came down to it, we wanted to be closer to our family and missed much of what the region offers. We made the most of our time in SOMD, though. We loved taking advantage of the proximity to water (Potomac and Patuxent Rivers/Chesapeake Bay). 
Both of us worked in public education – while my wife Becca worked as a speech therapist at the elementary level, I was a sophomore and senior English teacher at Maurice J. McDonough High School. Being a teacher has some incredibly rewarding moments, and I enjoyed helping students prepare for the next stage of their lives. Primarily, I focused on writing and how being a skilled writer can help open career paths and reach different target audiences. I will miss my students, but the opportunity to get home was something we could not pass up.
Outside of the classroom, I was heavily involved in coaching – I was the assistant coach for track and field, and the head coach for cross country. Just this fall, the McDonough Rams cross country team qualified for the state championships. It was four hard years of building a team of six into a team of more than 20 runners. Being part of that growth and achievement was incredibly rewarding. I like to think my passion and drive for success will follow me to this position.
Prior to teaching, I worked for The Sentinel, a daily newspaper in Carlisle, PA. I started as a sports reporter before eventually becoming Sports Editor. I had the privilege of finding stories to tell about local athletes of all ages. I want to bring a similar brand of storytelling to Feeding Pennsylvania and pass along the stories and news of the people working toward our mission of reducing hunger and food insecurity in communities across Pennsylvania.
I’ll be doing this not only through managing posts to social media and our website FeedingPA.org, but also by re-igniting our bi-monthly newsletter. I’ll be Jane’s right-hand as we engage with stakeholders and work on our messaging to the public – including partners, legislators and media.
It’s fitting that as I close my introduction here, I was asked to deliver a 24-pound package to a man in desperate need of food. After a quick stop at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, I met him to deliver it in person. It was a moving experience when I saw his face light up with hope. It was also a brutally honest reminder as to why your role is so important in our mission to help those that are hungry. I am excited to be on board here at Feeding Pennsylvania and help bring a voice to those who need our support the most.
Brett Smith can be reached at bsmith@feedingpa.org.
