The Summer Food Service Program is a federal program that provides nutritious meals to youth 18 and under, when free and reduced school meals are not available. But this program only reaches about 1 in 7 children who get free and reduced-cost meals during the school year.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank works to increase participation in the Summer Food Service Program in the 11 counties of Southwestern PA*, and they are asking for our help in reaching more of these children! It’s not too early to begin thinking about how you might pitch in.
There are several ways that people and parishes within our diocese can help:
- Distribute flyers and electronic advertising in your community to raise awareness of the program.
- Volunteer at a Summer Food Service Program site near you once a week – or more – to provide fun activities for participating children.
- Have your parish become a Summer Food Service Program site, hosting the program either in your building or at a nearby location such as a park or community center.
(Note that security clearances are required for any volunteers who will have direct contact with children; these clearances are provided at no cost.)
If you feel called to serve your neighbors in any of these ways, or just want more information, please contact Chris West at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – by phone at 412-460-3663 ext. 495, or via email at cwest@pittsburghfoodbank.org.
* The 11 counties served by Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank are: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, Washington. If you or your parish are interested in helping the Summer Food Service Program but are not located in one of these counties, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank can direct you appropriately.