How Sewickley Food Pantry Supports Families in Need: Nourishing Our Community

Miriam Rader and June Wormsley are the driving forces behind the Sewickley Community Center Food Pantry. They make sure the pantry is always stocked with fresh food and essential items. “We’re always checking and rearranging,” says Wormsley, who feels strongly about preventing food waste. “It breaks my heart to see it go to waste.” Together, they ensure that those in need have access to nourishment.

The pantry helps many local families. It offers non-perishable foods, fresh produce, and essential items like toiletries and diapers. The pantry is open twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

People come from all over, including Quaker Valley School District, Edgeworth, Leetsdale, Coraopolis, and parts of Moon. Some arrive on foot, others take the bus, and many come with friends or neighbors who have cars. Rader and Wormsley guide everyone through the process with a simple form that doesn’t require any financial details. “If they’re here, they need help,” Rader explains. They respect clients’ privacy and aim to build trust, knowing that life can throw unexpected challenges at anyone.

The pantry has strong community support. Local churches and groups, including those from St. Matthews AME Zion and the Sewickley United Methodist Church, contribute food and resources. During holidays, the church creates bags filled with everything needed for a festive meal, even including gift cards for purchasing main dishes like turkey or ham.

Rev. Hannah Loughman of the Sewickley United Methodist Church emphasizes the importance of giving. “Food insecurity is real,” she says. Her church organizes seasonal food drives, and they even collect soup donations for the Super Bowl, encouraging easy-open items for convenience.

The Sewickley Community Center Food Pantry has been around since 1983. It started with a few volunteers and grew into a vital support system. Rader and Wormsley took over in 2020, following years of dedicated service from others like Nora Spears and her daughter, Marilyn Williams.

On average, they serve about ten clients per visit, with numbers increasing during the holidays. During the pandemic, they adapted by packing bags for people waiting outside, but now clients can choose their items inside the pantry. This flexibility allows them to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. They also focus on providing essential non-food items, especially during the summer months when fresh produce is available.

When they have excess food nearing its expiration date, Rader and Wormsley collaborate with other local food pantries. They are committed to sharing resources rather than letting food go to waste. “We’re grateful for the Sewickley Community Center and our community’s ongoing support,” Rader says.

Both Rader and Wormsley rely on monetary donations to purchase necessary items, and their families often lend a hand by helping with packing and organizing. The pantry is neatly arranged, making it easy for clients to find what they need. “It feels good to know we help people,” Wormsley shares. Many clients express their gratitude and some even return to share their success stories after finding new jobs.

The pantry gladly accepts non-perishable food, toiletries, and donations. If you wish to support the Sewickley Community Center, you can drop off items on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit the Sewickley Community Center website.