LCCM Board of Directors Commits $350,000 to Strengthen Community Support Initiatives

Lebanon, PA — October 27, 2025 — The Board of Directors of Lebanon County Christian Ministries (LCCM) has announced a significant commitment of $350,000 to bolster community support programs aimed at addressing food insecurity and utility assistance to combat no state budget, loss of SNAP benefits, and the delay of LIHEAP.  

This strategic investment reflects LCCM’s unwavering dedication to serving vulnerable populations and enhancing the well-being of individuals and families in crisis. The funding will be directed toward expanding essential services, including the organization's Market on 7th charitable food pantry and the upLIFT Lite program, providing utility assistance. 

“This commitment is a powerful statement of our board’s belief in the mission of LCCM and the anticipated urgent needs of our community,” said Bryan Smith, Executive Director of LCCM. “We are deeply grateful for their leadership and vision, which will allow us to reach more people with compassion and dignity.” 

The $350,000 includes $150,000, which is anticipated to be reimbursed once a state budget is passed, and the State Food Purchase Program is funded. The remaining $200,000 will come from the organization’s crisis reserve funds. “We are very blessed that our community has supported LCCM’s work, and we have been able to be good stewards of financial blessings and have prepared for a time such as this,” Smith continued. Smith invited community members, churches, foundations, and other organizations to partner with LCCM during this time and work to keep the ministry funded! You can impact lives today; no donation or contribution is too small. 

Current situation
 
No state budget – the impact of no state budget is a lack of cash resources to procure food and support other community charitable food partners across Lebanon County. The state is currently $100,000 behind on state food funding support and will be another $50,000 behind in January. These are real dollars that purchase food. 

SNAP – notice has been shared with SNAP recipients that they will receive no SNAP benefits in November. An estimated 2 million Pennsylvanians will not receive the SNAP resources in November, many who are already facing food insecurity. It is estimated nearly 18,000 people are receiving SNAP in Lebanon County alone. LCCM is anticipating an increased need in food, impacting the Market on 7th – charitable food pantry. 
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LIHEAP – the LIHEAP energy heating assistance program is on pause through December 3rd, from the initial November 3rd start. This will directly impact the utility assistance program, upLIFT Lite, at LCCM. These are real dollars invested in utilities and will be real dollars covered by LCCMs donors, and will not be supported through government reimbursement. LIHEAP is a government program aimed at providing cash assistance to fund heating needs. Households requesting this financial assistance can receive from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. LIHEAP is a one-time payment, and the funds are sent directly to a utility provider or fuel company to be credited to the household’s account.  

To support LCCM, send a check to: LCCM 250 S. 7th Street, Lebanon PA 17042 or visit www.lccm.us and click “donate now.” 

About LCCM 
Lebanon County Christian Ministries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the basic needs of individuals and families in Lebanon County through food, shelter, and life change programs. LCCM collaborates with churches, businesses, and volunteers to provide holistic care and promote lasting change. 

Media Contact: 
Bryan Smith 
Executive Director, LCCM 
📧 [email protected] 
📞 717-769-1040 
🌐 www.lccm.us