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playgrounds, libraries and schools across the county will provide more than 46,000 meals to children this summer.
More than 10,000 children in the county qualify for free and reduced school meals during the school year. When school ends for the summer, parents face increased food costs in addition to things like childcare. This can lead to children receiving unhealthy meals and experiencing fatigue, weight gain and summer learning loss leaving many children unprepared to return to school in the fall.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank( the Food Bank) works with Summer Food Program sites and sponsors across the county to expand participation in the program.
Most summer food sites are open mid-June through mid-August. Parents, guardians and children can find a site near them by calling 2-1-1 or by texting FOOD to 877-877.
“ We know summer can be tough for the hundreds of thousands of families with children across the region who rely on school meals,” said Lisa Scales, president and CEO of the Food Bank.“ The Summer Food Program is a vital resource for these families to stretch their budgets a little further while ensuring their children have the proper nutrition they need to grow and thrive during the summer.”
According to Feeding America’ s Map the Meal Gap, 6,840 children across Washington County are not sure where their next meal will come from. By providing free, nutritious meals throughout the summer, the Summer Food Program ensures that more children have access to the food they need to learn and grow.
Any organizations or individuals interested in learning more about how to become involved with the Summer Food Program can contact the Food Bank by email at partnership @ pittsburghfoodbank. org. n
TROOP 1300 COLLECTS FOOD FOR FOOD BANK
Boy Scout Troop 1300, based out of Thomas Presbyterian Church, helped collect food locally this spring for their” Scouting for Food“ service. In May, the troop helped the church parish load and deliver the food to the Peters Township Food Bank at Peace Lutheran Church.
The Peters Township Food Pantry distributes once a month,
from 8 to 11 a. m., and is in need of all kinds of non-perishable foods and personal hygiene items. To volunteer, please call 724.942.0594.
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