We are officially one month into our COVID-19 response. Over the past 4 weeks, our entire region has come together like never before to support our neighbors in need. Pittsburgh, you are truly incredible!
The Food Bank continues to operate as an essential business, with limited interruption. Our pantry network is strong, with more than 90 percent still open and providing food to those in need. As mentioned before, our 350+ agencies distribute more than 80 percent of the food we supply. For information on a pantry near you, please click this link.
Our drive-up emergency food distribution model continues to expand. Last Friday, April 10, we provided 65,000 pounds of food to 1,300 vehicles outside of PPG Paints Arena. Through our first 6 emergency food distributions, we have assisted more than 7,300 vehicles, handing out nearly 400,000 pounds of food.
Our Monday distributions continue here at the Food Bank and will do so until further notice. These will be held from noon – 3 p.m. outside of our warehouse. Tomorrow, April 14, we will be in Butler County at Alameda Park for an emergency food distribution. For information on these, and all upcoming distributions- including new locations, keep a close eye to this page on our website and social media channels.
The Pennsylvania National Guard continues to be an incredible asset to our operations. They have been out in
the community distributing food, while also reinforcing our supply. In total, we’ve packed nearly 30,000 food boxes since mid-March.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported the Food Bank during this time, whether that be through a financial donation, sharing our mission or volunteering. Every dollar matters, as $1 provides enough food for 5 meals. We are able to provide food to the community because of your contributions.
Our media partners have stepped up in a big way, helping to promote our mission. Two of them are launching all-day fundraisers for us this week.
Tomorrow, April 14, Entercom Radio will be hosting the Need to Feed radiothon. All four Entercom Stations (KDKA-AM, 93.7 the Fan, 100.7 STAR, Y108) have a goal of providing 100,000 meals! We are grateful for this amazing support.
On Wednesday, WTAE will be hosting Project Community: Day of Giving. Throughout the day during newscasts, WTAE will be highlighting the work of the Food Bank, our staff, volunteers, the National Guard and incredible support from everyone in the community.
We have some special Pittsburghers who will be providing a call to action. Here is one of them:
IN THE COMMUNITY
COVID-19 has challenged all of us. We know that parents and adult caregivers are vital in ensuring children continue to thrive during these difficult times. In a collaborative effort by The Pittsburgh Study, University of Pittsburgh Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Division of Community Health, United Way 211, the UrbanKind Institute, Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center, Allegheny County Health Department and Allegheny County Department of Human Services, we are asking families to tell us what life is like in their household during the pandemic — what are their strengths and what are their challenges.
To help this collaborative group get a broad understanding of the experiences of families across Western Pennsylvania right now, we would value your help in completing this survey. It will take about 6 minutes to complete. They will post and analyze surveys every week throughout the pandemic. Families can complete this anonymous survey every week if they choose. This research was reviewed by the University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board and deemed to be Exempt under the Federal Regulations at §46.104. There is also a phone-in option, by calling (412) 692-8026.
After completing this survey, families will have the option of providing their contact information for a chance to win a $100 gift card (5 people randomly selected each week from everyone who answers the survey). This contact information will not be linked to survey responses.
MENTAL HEALTH
As the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) provides up-to-date information relating to COVID-19, we also want to prepare our residents for protecting their mental health. As information spreads about COVID-19, it can be overwhelming and scary to hear that you should stay at home and may even lead to increased fear and anxiety. The Department of Health has created a resource on helpful guides for Coping with COVID-19 Concerns.
INFORMATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA EMPLOYEES IMPACTED BY COVID-19
If you are employed in Pennsylvania and are unable to work because COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation benefits. The Department of Labor & Industry will continue to provide important employment benefit updates at their website.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19
For the most up to date news and information related to agriculture and services from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation, visit agriculture.pa.gov/covid. You can also sign up for the PDA newsletter and stay connected through Facebook and Twitter.
As the situation evolves related to COVID-19, you can get up-to-date information along with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Governor Tom Wolf, and all of Pennsylvania’s state agencies. In the meantime, please continue to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water, avoid coughing or sneezing into your hand and stay home whenever possible. For the most timely and reliable information, visit the Department of Health’s page. For agriculture information related to COVID-19, visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For agriculture business, please call (717) 787-4737.
Stay Well,
Lisa Scales
President & CEO
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank