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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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