Season of Giving: 4 Ways You Can Fight Hunger in Pittsburgh
Please consider giving to these worthy causes.
Presents are both a source of joy and (sometimes) stress. I am an advocate for meaningful, noncommercial presents during the holidays — things that bring joy to the one you’re giving to but also support artisans and small businesses. I am an even bigger advocate for homemade presents, no matter how small. For me, it truly is the thought that counts.
It also is that time of year when another kind of giving has significance — donating to nonprofits. For practical reasons, you only have a few days left to make that charitable giving count on your taxes. That doesn’t detract from the intent — it’s a small credit for you that makes a big impact on many nonprofits and charities in need.
Here are food nonprofits in the region that fight hunger and promote access to food. Please consider giving to these worthy causes.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank serves all of southwestern Pa. Every year, the food bank serves nearly 360,000 people, including 76,000 children and 92,000 seniors age 60 and older. What most people may not know is that the food bank supports individuals as well as other agencies that work to fight hunger. Of these agencies, 56 percent are entirely volunteer-run. (That deserves a WOW.) Every dollar you donate goes a long way. In fact, every $1 donated translates to $5 worth of food and services. Give to the food bank here.
Just Harvest
Just Harvest has been fighting for economic justice in Pittsburgh for almost three decades. They lead in advocacy for access in the region, help families and individuals to apply for food stamps and navigate the welfare system. Just Harvest is the organization behind Fresh Access, an initiative that facilitated the acceptance of food stamps at farmers markets. Give to Just Harvest here.
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh is a nonprofit with a social enterprise model. Through the workforce development program, CKP works to give individuals the skills to secure and retain jobs in the food-service industry. Utilizing these skills as part of on-the-job training, CKP provides meals for food-insecure families as well as healthy school meals cooked from scratch. As the organization grows, there is great potential to truly make CKP a social enterprise that thrives on earned revenue. Support the mission by giving to CKP here.
Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries Near YOU
Want to help an organization that helps to alleviate hunger closer to home? This page on the food bank’s website enables you to drop in your ZIP code; in turn it will list the agencies nearest you. Pick one or many. They all need your help.
Have a great holiday season, everyone!
