On this week’s episode of the Food Podcast presented by Clearview Federal Credit Union on the TribLIVE podcast network, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank looks back at 2021.

Right now, 1 in 7 people in southwestern Pennsylvania are facing food insecurity. Rising grocery prices, job loss and the aftershock of the covid-19 pandemic have only deepened the issue. In turn, food insecurity often has a rippling effect on our community’s health and overall well-being.

With the generosity of the community — whether that included food or monetary donations, volunteer hours, or community advocacy — the food bank has been able to be there for people in their greatest time of need.

Even before the year closed, the latest numbers showed the community helped the food bank distribute more than 30 million pounds of food in 2021. This includes drive-up distributions, which have distributed 2.9 million meals to families across our region, and food bank sponsored Summer Youth Cafes, which has served over 130,000 meals to kids and teens in 58 sites across Allegheny County alone. Through important programs like these, along with senior boxes, after-school meal programs and partnerships with more than 850 pantries and agencies, the food bank has made nutritious food more accessible to over 51,500 households every month.

President and CEO of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Lisa Scales said she hopes to see their mission continue in the new year, but also hopes 2022 will bring back some traditions.

“I’m looking forward to a return of some sense of normalcy, for a family gathering around a table for a holiday meal, a celebration, an anniversary, a birthday,” Scales said.

2022 is bringing some new changes at the food bank as well. They plan to open an on-site food pantry at the main warehouse.

“For our community supporters those of you who are donors, volunteers, who advocate on our behalf, we’re looking forward to hosting you at our renovated facility in Duquesne,” Scales said.

To learn more about the food bank’s mission for 2022, visit pittsburghfoodbank.org.

Listen: 2021 at the food bank

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