Lower Valley Community Food Bank holds Easter food distribution for 155 families

The Lower Valley Community Food Bank held its Easter food distribution Thursday despite threatening skies and a pandemic.

Director Kathy Otterbeck said about 15 volunteers prepared and loaded banana boxes full of produce, canned goods, meat, eggs, milk, bread and 10-pound bags of potatoes for 155 families.

They included 35 new families seeking assistance due to the covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s greater since the last (distribution),” Otterbeck said. “It went really, really well. We may never be the same after this pandemic is over.

“One thing that will never change is the love and compassion people have for each other. No one should have to go without food, and I think people are showing love for their neighbors. Everybody’s pulling together. It’s just awesome.”

Total food distributed was estimated at 6,200 pounds via a drive-thru system in which clients did not leave their cars. Volunteers loaded the boxes into a trunk or backseat in order to minimize contact. More than 30 cars were lined up when the distribution began.

“I have a super group of volunteers, very dedicated,” Otterbeck said. “We’re trying to stay within a distance to make it safe for (families) to come pick up food and safe for our volunteers.”

Families also received $30 Giant Eagle gift cards courtesy of Springdale Energy. TNT Dynamite Pizza & Hoagies and From Italy provided vouchers for pizza.

The food bank serves Springdale and Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar and Indiana Township.

Distributions are the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at 325 School St. in Springdale.

Monetary donations can be sent to Lower Valley Community Food Bank at PO box 201, Springdale,Pa, 15144.