Cory Nulph and Jacob Ritchie didn’t hesitate when they were asked to clear snow from Leechburg’s First Methodist Church parking lot Monday evening.
The men had spent most of the day plowing and shoveling their own driveways in Gilpin and those of their neighbors.
Monday evening, when borough Mayor Doreen Smeal, who volunteers at the Leechburg Food Bank, posted a request for help on Facebook, Nulph, 26, heard about it from a friend.
Smeal said the food bank’s patrons and volunteers use the church lot, but the 10 to 13 inches of snow that blanketed the region Sunday made it inaccessible.
“I didn’t really think about it,” Nulph said. “They just said the food bank really needs the lot plowed. I’m glad everyone can get the food they need.”
This is the first year Nulph has owned a truck with a plow, and he saw the assignment as an opportunity for extra practice, he said. He, along with Ritchie, 26, had the lot cleared in about 45 minutes.
“It feels good to help out the community and the food bank,” Ritchie said. “It just feels good.”
Because of the good deed, the food bank was able to serve more than 100 people Wednesday morning, Smeal said.
“I never thought it was that big of a deal,” Nulph said. “I’m happy I was able to help.”
Frozen distribution
Smeal said the food bank typically distributes food the last Wednesday of each month. Volunteers pack bags the day before with nonperishable items. They return early Wednesday to add meat, bread and other perishables before distributing them.
Around 115 people were scheduled to pick up food Wednesday morning.
“Some stay in their car during the pickup, some walk, some have to park,” Smeal said.
When dealing with that large of a population, having the space for them to move is imperative, especially in such cold weather.
“I’m just always so surprised how fast people come together,” Smeal said. “You just have to ask and people want to help. … It’s so nice.”
The Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank saw business as usual Wednesday despite frigid temperatures as they handed out food.
“We’re all outside (during distribution),” said AVAC assistant coordinator Beth Kendra. “Our volunteers are amazing and ready to distribute.”
She said the food bank has about 15 volunteers who serve 120 cars every Wednesday. Sometimes there are multiple families in one car, Kendra said.
While the Leechburg and AVAC food banks were able to find ways to beat the cold, others had to reschedule their distributions.
Slight delays
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank closed its Duquesne warehouse Monday, citing hazardous road conditions and prioritizing safety, according to Brian Gulish, vice president of marketing and communications for the food bank.
“In general, our distributions may be delayed or canceled during periods of inclement weather, whether that’s extreme cold, significant snowfall, ice or severe storms, to ensure safe access for everyone involved,” Gulish said.
In an email, Gulish said the closure decision made Friday after hearing forecasts for the winter storm. The early decision allowed food bank officials to plan delivery and pickup schedules ahead of time.
“Monday’s closure had minimal impact on food pickup and deliveries” Gulish said. “We did have to reschedule a few orders but were able to prepare for this week at the end of last week.”
The food bank was operating on its regular schedule by Tuesday.
For outdoor distributions, Greater Pittsburgh follows National Weather Service recommendations and cancels when wind-chill temperatures dip below 10 degrees, Gulish said. Site hosts have the authority to cancel a distribution date during severe weather conditions or if their space needs to be utilized in another capacity to assist their community.
“This week, for example, our Southside distribution was canceled because the host facility is serving as a City of Pittsburgh warming center, and therefore was not available for food distribution,” Gulish said.
