Transform Lives: The Impact of Volunteering at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

The KDKA-TV Turkey Fund is back for its 44th year! Every Wednesday leading up to Thanksgiving, we’ll share stories that highlight the importance of your donations. This week, let’s discuss a different kind of contribution: your time.

Volunteering at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is just as crucial as donating food or money. Judy Wertheimer, who has been volunteering there for five years, emphasizes how meaningful it can be. “It’s something easy to do that means a lot to others,” she says.

Judy started volunteering at the food bank during the pandemic. Now, she feels a sense of family there. “Walking in feels really good,” she adds.

She dedicates three hours each week. The tasks vary—sometimes she packs boxes for local food pantries, while other times she bags fresh produce like apples or peppers. Last year, around 8,300 volunteers contributed over 70,000 hours to the food bank, showing how essential community support is.

Maria Montaro, the food bank’s corporate and community giving manager, shares that every hour volunteered translates to about 100 meals served. “We truly could not do this work without our volunteers,” she says. Their involvement is vital for various initiatives, from the Volunteer Engagement Center to agriculture programs.

The food pantry, known as The Market, is especially in need of help. It serves nearly 200 families daily and requires about 40 volunteers each day to operate smoothly. Whether you can volunteer once a year or multiple times a week, there’s a spot for you.

Wertheimer finds great joy in her work. “I’ve always had enough, and I feel grateful. It’s rewarding to know it’s this easy to help,” she explains.

In recent statistics from Hunger Free America, about 10% of households in Pennsylvania face food insecurity. This shows the ongoing need for support and community involvement. As the holidays approach, we encourage you to consider how you can help your neighbors in need.

If you’re interested in volunteering, it’s simple. Check out the food bank’s website for more details.

Together, we can make a difference this holiday season!

Source link

KDKA-TV Turkey Fund