People aren’t the only ones facing food insecurity this holiday season. Pets need help as well.
With that in mind, 412 Food Rescue and the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART) are teaming up to distribute food for people and pets experiencing food insecurity during Christmas week.
On Wednesday, the two groups will host a no-contact, drive-through giveaway in Heinz Field’s Gold Lot 1 parking lot from noon to 2 p.m. 412 Food Rescue will hand out 420 Farmers to Families grocery boxes containing produce, dairy, and protein items, while PAART will distribute 400 bags of dog and cat food.
Citing statistics showing 40% of food is wasted while 1 in 9 people go hungry, 412 Food Rescue began its operation in March 2015. The organization redirects healthy food discarded by restaurants and markets to nonprofits that will make it available for those in need.
David Primm, chief operating officer of 412 Food Rescue, said with covid-19 cases rising and more people out of work due to new cutbacks, the organization is aware that many in the community are, for the first time, in need of help getting food.
“We are committed to getting food to Pittsburgh families in need during a difficult winter,” said Primm. “Our partnership with the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team and a generous donation of pet food from Tim Russell of Maggie’s Farm Rum helps us serve every member of families with pets.”
The Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team is a nonprofit that provides air and ground support for at-risk animals. Since the pandemic began, PAART has obtained more than 180,000 pounds of pet food – equivalent to 720,000 individual meals.
“Nobody should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their beloved family pet,” said PAART co-founder Jonathan Plesset. “We are proud to partner with 412 Food Rescue on this effort to make the holidays a little easier for people experiencing hardship.”
