Food has connected people for centuries.

Last September, the Tourism Office launched four culinary trails, to bring people together in the name of food and spotlight the rich food culture in Pennsylvania.

Now, the Tourism Office is preparing to launch an Apple TV series, Stuffed with Steve Ford, promoting the trails hosted by HGTV star and Pittsburgh-Native Steve Ford.

Carrie Lepore, Deputy Secretary of Marketing, Tourism and Film, said the TV series will allow them to connect with travelers and continue to tell the story of local small businesses, farmers, bakers, chefs and the history and heritage of the state in another medium.

"We're helping to make connections with people. Travel at its core can be transformative for people," Lepore said. "When you have an opportunity to quite literally break bread with someone, this is how I think we can really become more curious and interested in one another's stories."

Lepore also said she hopes the Culinary Trails will continue to aid in some of the COVID-19 recovery; helping to make sure restaurants stay busy, farms stay vibrant, and create opportunities for people to take a piece of the state home with them.

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