Dear Friend,
As I read through the pages of this newsletter and look ahead to the holiday season, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of thankfulness.
I’m forever grateful for friends like you who support Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Without you, the work we do to ensure our neighbors can put food on the table just wouldn’t be possible. Your incredible support means that people experiencing food insecurity can find the help and hope they need this holiday season.
I’m also grateful as I read the stories in this issue. Stories of people who are directly helped by your generosity. Stories of neighbors who will be able to share meals with their families this holiday season and beyond. Food is at the heart of so many holiday celebrations. And thanks to friends like you, more families will have access to the foods that make this time of year special.
As I sit down with my family this holiday, I will give thanks for you, for a community that cares and for our neighbors who are being helped.
Thank you for your kindness! And remember, every $1 you give can help provide 3 meals this holiday season!
Gratefully,
Lisa Scales
President and CEO
You Provide Food and Security
Kalah is looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving this year with her 8-year-old daughter. But she didn’t always feel this sense of anticipation.
In fact, when she recently started a new job with higher pay, she was cut off from her financial assistance. But her increased income doesn’t come close to covering her expenses — especially as prices at the grocery store remain high.
Suddenly, Kalah was caught in a difficult spot. That’s why she’s so thankful for Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank … and your support!
“I basically got a better paying job, and I make 50 bucks over the guidelines, and so I got completely cut off,” Kalah says. “I don’t get any type of assistance, so I don’t have money to even grocery shop anymore. So the drive-up distributions, The Market and my neighborhood pantries literally is what’s keeping food in mine and my daughter’s stomachs.”
The support you help provide is a huge relief to Kalah, and being able to find the food they need makes a big difference.
“Not having food security,” Kalah says, “is one of the scariest things outside of homelessness. I don’t care about me; it’s my child.”
There’s never a good time for anyone to face hunger, but it feels even more acute at Thanksgiving, when food is such an important part of the holiday. Your giving makes it possible for people to be filled with joy — and good food — on this special day.
“Thank You Very Much!”
Tim started coming to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank when he went on dialysis. He needed nutritious food to maintain his strength and well-being, but without a paycheck, affording healthy food was nearly impossible.
“It helps out,” Tim shares, “especially for Thanksgiving.”
So many people in our community face similar challenges. Sometimes neighbors are facing a loss of income, or budgets are being stretched to the limit with bills and other expenses. They simply don’t have enough left over to keep food on the table.
That’s why your love makes a difference!
This Thanksgiving season, tens of thousands of neighbors will feel the love — your love — through special distributions that ensure families and individuals will enjoy a delicious holiday meal.
And because of your generosity, Tim and his family will have a true Thanksgiving dinner.
That’s something they’re very thankful for.
“Thank you so much,” Tim says. “I really appreciate it.”
Because of your support, thousands of neighbors will enjoy a nourishing meal this Thanksgiving. Thank you!
“It’s Very Difficult”
Salena is a single mom in our community who simply can’t catch a break.
Over the years, it’s been difficult for her to juggle caring for her five children and keeping a job. One of her boys has a heart condition, and she can’t leave him alone.
That means she can’t keep up with the bills she faces, and putting enough food on the table for her children is a challenge. And now, because of a dangerous domestic situation, the family is living in a hotel until they can find a place of their own.
“It’s very difficult to even try to support my children right now,” Salena says.
But because of your love and generosity, you’re helping relieve Salena of the overwhelming burden she’s facing this Thanksgiving. Instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from, Salena is excited that she and her kids will have food to make a Thanksgiving dinner together.
“I was trying to figure out a way to still take care of the holidays, and this really helped,” Salena says. “We know what it’s like to be in a hard situation, but this is the first time for me. So, thank you so much for helping the people that need it. And God bless everybody.”
This is what your generosity makes possible. Every gift you give helps ensure families like Salena’s have the food they need when they need it. Thank you.