Food is Love

If someone in my family offers you food or drink, take it. Otherwise, even if you politely decline a hundred times, they will pester you until you finally take the glass of water (or wine!) and the baked ziti out of their insistent hands. That’s just the way it works in my family.

We want to feed you because we care about you. We want to give you a full belly and welcome you into the fold. For my family—and for many families—food is love, especially at this time of year.  

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helps spread the love by connecting families who are able to give in some way with families who face food shortages. As a member of Feeding America, it supports a network of 400 hunger-related groups and reaches 360,000 people annually. It’s a complex organization with a simple vision: A hunger-free southwestern Pennsylvania.

Photo courtesy of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

As we enter the season of giving, I hope our community can take a few steps together toward that goal. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank is able to provide 5 nutritious meals to families and individuals in the Pittsburgh area. We can make a huge difference! Here’s how:

Get Help

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank distributes 26.5 million pounds of food each year through its food pantries, which are scattered throughout 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. They have rotating hours of operation and can be easily found using the food assistance directory. Please reach out to the food pantries in your area for long term or emergency-based needs.

In addition, the food bank offers fresh fruits and vegetables through its Produce to People program. There are 17 distributions each month at 17 different locations. Registration is completed on-site, and then you walk away with 30-45 pounds of fresh produce. Seniors and children may qualify for even more assistance.

Visit the Food Assistance FAQ to get started.

Give Help

Are you looking for ways to get involved? Volunteer opportunities include sorting and repacking at the Duquesne Warehouse, putting together senior boxes, distributing fresh food with Produce to People, and working during Family Engagement Days. Please register in advance as walk-in volunteer assignments are not permitted.     

Ready to donate? Every donation to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helps feed our steel city neighbors. If you able to step up to the plate, please visit our fundraiser and move us toward our goal of $1,000—that’s like giving 5,000 meals and a whole lot of love.

If you have any experience with this or any other food bank, please share in the comments!