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Distributions from Lawrence County food bank rose last year
NEW CASTLE, Pa.
The amount of food distributed in Lawrence County by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank rose by about 14 percent last year.
Tara Covelens, regional development coordinator for the food bank, told Lawrence County Commissioners Tuesday that more than 1 million pounds of food have been distributed here for each of the last six years the food bank has operated in the county.
Figures provided by Covelens showed that 1,289,583 pounds of food were distributed in 2009-2010 and 1,478,652 in 2010-2011. Since the start of this fiscal year July 1, 363,390 pounds have been delivered, up 30,121 pounds from this time last year.
Commissioner Steve Craig said 500 to 700 people are served once a month at the Produce to People food distribution held at St. Vitus Church. He said that the number of those coming for food has greatly increased since the program started because of the economic conditions. In addition, the food bank distributes food at various food pantries and other programs in the county.
Covelens said that efforts are also being made to raise funds for the food bank and a “virtual food drive” is being held for Lawrence County at www.pitttsburghfoodbank.org/Lawrence. She invited all residents to participate. She said that because of bulk purchasing, one dollar donated to the food bank translates to five dollars worth of food.
According to the food bank, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a nonporofit 501c(3) organization that collects and distributes food in 11 southwest Pennsylvania counties through food solicitation, fundraising, special events and community partnerships.
Covelens said the organization is now gleaning, which means going to different farms with volunteers who pick leftover apples, corn, peppers and other produce for the food bank.
She said they will glean potatoes this week at the Villa Maria farm in Lawrence County.
For more information about this, email glean@pittsburghfoodbank.org.