It’s a bittersweet milestone.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has distributed its 1 millionth pound of food through drive-up events since the organization’s covid-19 response began on March 16.
The mark was met on Saturday during a distribution event held with the South Hills Interfaith Movement. And while the food bank is pleased to have been able to meet the needs of people who have lost jobs and fallen on hard times during the covid-19 crisis, the milestone is a sobering indication of just how great that need is.
“Since this crisis began, our mission has not wavered,” said Lisa Scales, president and CEO of the food bank. “We are here to mobilize the community to eliminate hunger. Thanks to our staff, volunteers, donors, the National Guard, corporate and community partners, we have been able to meet the unprecedented need this pandemic has created.”
The drive-up distribution model was established to follow social distancing recommendations and limit person-to-person contact. At each event, vehicles receive one food share, which includes either dry, frozen or fresh food boxes, or a combination of the three.
More than 20,000 vehicles have been served during 21 drive-up events, according to the food bank.
In addition to drive-up events, the food bank has several programs available to provide food assistance to people in need. They include a network of 365 pantries, home delivery and grab-and-go meals for children.
Distributions planned for this week include Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Big Butler Fairgrounds, Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. at Pittsburgh International Airport, and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon outside PPG Paints Arena in Uptown.
