Feed PGH: Bridging the Hunger Gap
by Robert Mitchell
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” —Matthew 4:4
The Salvation Army in the “City of Bridges” is helping bridge the hunger gap in these uncertain times.
Three Pittsburgh-area state senators linked up with The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania on November 6 for “Feed PGH: Bridge the Hunger Gap,” a food drive and fundraising campaign at seven different Salvation Army locations in Allegheny County. The public was urged to drop off a host of nonperishable food items or make a monetary donation to help the growing food insecurity issue.
One of the busier sites was the Pittsburgh Temple Corps, which boasts a large and popular choice pantry, where patrons shop like in a grocery store.
“We’ve seen an increase of people coming to our choice pantry these last two weeks,” said Major Justin Caldwell, who leads the Pittsburgh Temple. “The need is certainly there. We have indications it’s going to go up a little more. There have been a lot of new faces here recently.
“We usually see 125 families per week, and it’s now just over 150. That’s a pretty big jump for us. That kind of increase rarely happens.”
Stepping up to the plate
The uncertainty and confusion over federal and state budget funding, as well as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during the government shutdown, has left some families scrambling as the holidays loom. Major Marika Payton, the General Secretary in the Western Pennsylvania Division, said local food pantries have been overrun, and food banks are doing what they can in the face of increased demand.
“Many families find themselves in situations which are not usual for them. I would say even working families and individuals in our community are struggling to put food on their table,” she said.
Payton joined Caldwell at the Pittsburgh Temple and met with state senators Wayne Fontana (representing Pennsylvania’s 42nd District) and Nick Pisciottano (45th District), who partnered with The Salvation Army.
Pisciottano praised The Salvation Army’s volunteers for “making sure our friends and neighbors have the food that they need every single week.” Fontana added, “We’re trying to do our part as elected officials. What a tremendous group of people I met here today. I’m proud of what all these people do in my district.”
Among those volunteers was Sonja Bey, who once came to the pantry for help and now volunteers to assist others. She said the phone calls to the corps asking for assistance have increased lately.
“It is vital to donate because these families have a real need,” she said. “We supplement the foods they don’t have at home. These families are really suffering. It is important to donate so these people can get the food they need.”
Food for the soul
Volunteer Randy Stanger sat outside on a beautiful autumn day under a Salvation Army tent collecting food dropped off by the public.
“You don’t realize how many people do need help,” he said when asked why he was donating his time.
Johanna Messina, a stroke survivor, was thrilled to be helping with the choice pantry and other outreaches like project Bundle-Up and Angel Tree during the Christmas season.
“It’s something to do,” she said. “You have something to look forward to every week. Everyone is different here. The Salvation Army has been a godsend to me.”
Other volunteers mentioned their pride in The Salvation Army helping with rent and utility assistance, while offering programs for seniors, children, young people, and more.
“I can’t say enough good things about The Salvation Army,” Messina said.
Caldwell said those coming to the corps’ choice pantry each day get more than physical food. Referencing Matthew 4:4, he said a nearby prayer table is available for those who want it — and many stop by for a short devotional and to chat and pray.
“It’s just a reminder that food is important, but there’s something more God wants to feed us with. He wants to feed our soul,” Caldwell said. “So, we do have those opportunities to minister to people.”
Nicole Harrell, the director of marketing and public relations in The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division, contributed to this report.
Monetary donations to support Feed PGH can be made at any time online by visiting salvationarmywpa.org/feedPGH or by texting the word “FEEDPGH” to 31333.
