Meat, dairy and other food distributed in South Greensburg

A regional effort to distribute thousands of pounds of food throughout Westmoreland County made its way to South Greensburg on Tuesday.

The Father’s Heart Ministries in Penn Borough provided 75 boxes, each containing 40 pounds of food. They were distributed on a first-come first-served basis, said Jennifer Detore, the borough’s recreation director. The boxes contained fresh food, including meat, dairy, potatoes and other food items.

It was the first time for the borough to work with the agency, Detore said. It could become a regular or weekly event as the food is available, she said.

The Father’s Heart Ministries started working with the Lions Club and House of Worship church in West Newton last month to distribute food boxes. The organization partnered with a philanthropic group of farmers to receive regular food shipments. The boxes are being distributed to local churches and other organizations to get them to community members.

Anyone interested in picking up boxes in South Greensburg should follow the Hufftown Happenings Facebook page. More information about when boxes will be available next will be posted there, Detore said.

Food banks have multiplied their efforts in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in job loss and food insecurity. First-time visits at the Westmoreland County Food Bank were up in 2020 and some local food pantries have seen a huge influx of those in need. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank started a home delivery food service in response to the pandemic.