As we enter the third week of our response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Food Bank continues to operate as an essential business. We are here to feed our neighbors in need, now more than ever. The longer this uncertain time in our nation’s history continues, the greater the demand for our services will be.
IN NEED OF HELP?
There are many ways to get help with food. Below are some options. More information is available on our website at via the “Get Help” tab.
Sign up for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps). SNAP is designed to help individuals and families make ends meet by providing money to purchase groceries. We’re here to help you through the application process. Income guidelines for this program are located here. You can fill out the SNAP Referral Form on our website, give us a call at 1-833-822-SNAP (7627) or text SNAPPA to 555-888.
Find a food pantry in your neighborhood that can provide help with free groceries. If you earn an income that is 150 percent of the federal poverty level or are experiencing an emergency such as a job loss, we can help. Using just your zip code, our digital locator tool helps you find a pantry near you. Income guidelines for using our pantry network is located here.
Children can get free meals from schools and other community programs. Many schools are giving grab and go meals to children who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals. A map and list of opportunities is available here.
If you are in an emergency situation or have questions, call us at 412-460-3663 to figure out the best way we can support you.
Unfortunately, due to logistics and the observation of Federal, State and Local COVID-19 mitigation regulations that limit crowd sizes and recommend social distancing, it is not possible to safely distribute food at our regularly scheduled large-scale Produce to People, FoodShare and Oakland Free Food Spot distribution locations. We have made the difficult decision to cancel all currently scheduled distributions until further notice.
However, we have finalized a safe and efficient emergency drive-up food distribution model that will begin on Monday, March 30. Details on this event are listed below. Please continue to monitor our website daily for more information on upcoming distributions.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
WHAT: Emergency Food Distribution
WHEN: Monday, March 30, 2020 (noon – 3 p.m.)
WHERE: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; 1 N Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110
The Food Bank will be hosting an Emergency Food Distribution on Monday, March 30 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Food Bank in Duquesne. The event is part of the Food Bank’s new drive-up distribution model. ONLY CARS WILL BE SERVED. Walkers are encourage to call the Food Bank for information on how they can receive food. The distribution will be able to serve 1,500 VEHICLES ONLY.
Please note: Each vehicle will receive the same set amount of food, two boxes per CAR each no matter the number of occupants.
There will be a heavy police presence directing traffic on PA-837. All cars attending the distribution will enter at the overpass on 837 at S. Linden St. NO CARS will be permitted to enter the distribution at the Grant St. intersection (railroad tracks).
The Food Bank must ask for attendees to fill out a registration form prior to receiving food. Food Bank staff will hand out the registration forms to each car at the event.
APPRECIATION FOR OUR STAFF
During this crisis, which includes government-issued stay-at-home orders for Allegheny County, where our warehouse is located, our staff have been selflessly committed to seeing our mission through. They are doing so while potentially putting themselves at risk, knowing so many in the community depend on them at this time. This crisis has pushed everyone beyond their physical and emotional limits, and their outpouring of support for each other has been incredible.
TO OUR COMMUNITY
To those who we serve during these difficult times, we will always be here for you.
To those who are supporting our efforts, we are humbled by your kindness.
To those who are on the frontline with us, including healthcare workers and the public service sector, we will get through this together.
Lisa Scales
President & CEO
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank