I look to start each week by reading positive news stories. Whether it’s news about the great work our staff at the Food Bank is doing, another nonprofit organization fulfilling its mission within our community or something positive about our region in general, it’s these things that motivate me and make me proud to be a Pittsburgher.
This morning’s positive news was that we received a financial contribution from Pittsburgh Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby. Thanks to Sid, the Food Bank will be able to serve up to 100,000 meals through several of our food assistance programs including drive-up distributions, our network of 365 partner agencies and our home delivery platform, Doorstep Delivery. As I mentioned in the announcement, Sidney has brought us great joy during his tenure with the Penguins both on and off the ice. We are so lucky to have him represent the City of Pittsburgh, the City of Champions! You can read more about his donation at this link.
And this is such a great way to lead in to Giving Tuesday tomorrow! Bank of America has stepped up to stand alongside the Food Bank by becoming the organization’s #GivingTuesdayNow Partner with a $200,000 guaranteed match to help provide emergency meals! This partnership with Bank of America means that so many more of our neighbors are going to be able to sleep soundly knowing where their next meal is coming from. Again, more positive news!
Tomorrow, we will also be formally announcing new details as it pertains to our home delivery service, Doorstep Delivery. For the past year, the Food Bank has been delivering THRIVE boxes to people’s homes by partnering with the City of Pittsburgh police department, Connect Community Paramedics and UPS. Since the COVID-19 crisis began, we have prioritized ramping up the service to meet the current needs of the community.
Doorstep Delivery works by utilizing both volunteers, as well as professional delivery and transportation services to bring a 25-pound box of shelf-stable food right to the recipient’s door. While the contents of the boxes vary, items in the box may include: canned fruits and vegetables, juice and/or shelf-stable milk, starches such as potatoes, pasta and pasta sauce or pancake mix, and proteins such as peanut butter, beans, beef stew or canned chicken or tuna
Individuals in need of food assistance should call the Food Bank at 412-460-3663 extension 655 or visit pittsburghfoodbank.org/gethelp to get help. Our COVID-19 concierge team is fielding calls 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In recent weeks, this team has taken more than 3,000 calls for assistance and is working to connect individuals with a variety of resources including SNAP (food stamps), food pantries, drive-up distributions, grab and go meals for kids and Doorstep Delivery.
We have two large-scale, drive-up distributions this week:
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) *Parking lot opens at 11 a.m.* Pittsburgh International Airport; 1000 Airport Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15231
Working in conjunction with Pittsburgh International Airport, the Food Bank will be hosting a Drive-Up Food Distribution on Wednesday, May 6 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the parking lots of the airport. The distribution will end promptly at 3 p.m. Drive-up service will be discontinued at that time. The event is part of the Food Bank’s new drive-up distribution model. Each vehicle will receive one food share (2 boxes) per vehicle. Due to the high demand for assistance, to ensure as many people receive food as possible, we must adhere to this policy. The Food Bank will be able to serve up to 1,000 vehicles at this distribution.
Friday, May 8, 2020 (10 a.m. -1 p.m.) PPG Paints Arena Parking Lots; 1001 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Working in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Food Bank will be hosting a Drive-Up Food Distribution on Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the PPG Paints Arena parking lots. The distribution will end promptly at 1 p.m. Drive-up service will be discontinued at that time. The event is part of the Food Bank’s new drive-up distribution model. Each vehicle will receive one food share (2 boxes) per vehicle. Due to the high demand for assistance, to ensure as many people receive food as possible, we must adhere to this policy. The Food Bank will be able to serve up to 1,000 vehicles at this distribution.
For additional food, please contact your local food pantry or contact the Food Bank for information about how to find a pantry near you. You can find a pantry by using the “locator” tab on our website.
Though we did not have a drive-up distribution today in Duquesne, we will return with one on Monday, May 11 from noon – 3 p.m.
Finally, our marketing and communications team has been working closely with videographer Jason Cohn on several Food Bank related productions. Last Thursday, with Corner Cupboard, we hosted a drive-drive up distribution which served nearly 1,000 families in Greene County! I’d like to share some more positive vibes with you as I close out this update. Please watch this video for a recap of that event.
Sincerely,
Lisa Scales
President & CEO
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank