Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank understands that during these uncertain times, those we serve across the 11 counties of southwestern Pennsylvania may be feeling anxiety and stress regarding their health and food security. The COVID-19 outbreak and our response to it is unprecedented. Never during our 40-year history have we experienced such a demand for food.
Out of an abundance of caution for our staff and volunteers, we are strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines. Over the past week, we have made the difficult decision to cancel some of our scheduled distributions due to the safety of our community. These are not decisions we take lightly and understand the effect they may have on the communities relying on us. Some of the locations where we typically hold distributions are indoors and/or are too small to accommodate our new way of providing food in the community, which is a no touch drive-up model, limiting person-to-person contact. This is now requiring us to find new places to hold distributions, while also coordinating with local law enforcement, property owners and city officials. We are working around the clock to find these locations that keep you safe, as well as our staff and volunteers. Additionally, due to the ongoing crisis, and until further notice, all drive-up distributions by the Food Bank will provide one portion of food to each vehicle. Walk-ups will be accepted and will receive the same set amount of food.
We encourage people to contact the pantry closest to them for additional food assistance. The vast majority of food we provide is distributed through our network of nearly 500 community partners, most which are still operating. Just in the past week, these agencies have significantly increased the amount of food they have ordered from us. You can find your local pantry on our website (pittsburghfoodbank.org) by clicking the “Get Help” section.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust our services to meet the need in our community during this unique time in our nation’s history. Working together we will ensure that all of our neighbors across southwestern Pennsylvania have access to enough food. Please follow our website and social media channels for continuous updates.
Lisa Scales
President & CEO
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank