Organization aims to meet increased demand for meals and address food insecurity in an even bigger way
PITTSBURGH – Waking up hungry or struggling to find the next meal for their families are realities approximately 10% of the population in Allegheny County – many of whom are children – experience every day.
During the summer, food insecurity for at-risk children increases when they lose access to meals typically consumed during the school day. This summer, Heritage Community Initiatives prepared and delivered on average 2,790 meals per day for hungry children living in Allegheny and Greene counties, making it one of, if not the, largest summer feeding programs in the region.
“Nutritious food is essential to a child’s health and development. For more than a decade, Heritage Community Initiatives has been at the forefront of providing children in Allegheny County well-balanced meals, 60% of which are made from scratch using largely non-processed food,” said Heritage President and CEO, Paula G. McWilliams. “Heritage is so grateful to positively – and significantly – impact food insecurity in our region and influence conversation around why working together is crucial when addressing socioeconomic issues such as childhood hunger.”
Early Mornings and Long Days Didn’t Stop This Small but Mighty Team
Designing, preparing, and transporting approximately 2,790 meals each day was the challenge to which the six-person team of Heritage Nutrition Services rose this summer. Working out of a small, bare-bones kitchen in a former elementary school in North Braddock, the team began their day at 4:45 a.m. and traveled 153 miles round trip delivering food to 26 sites across Allegheny County.
“We have an amazing team,” said McWilliams. “Our resources are limited, our kitchen is small, but our hearts and commitment are very, very large. When I look at the challenges we faced, combined with the strict compliance requirements to which we must adhere, I am so proud of this team and the yeoman’s work they did this summer.”
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Traveling I-79 to Nourish Hungry Children in Greene County
The good work didn’t stop in Allegheny County, however. When the Corner Cupboard Food Bank in Greene County faced the prospect of hungry children and no summer feeding partner, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank approached Heritage which responded without hesitation. Heritage quickly mobilized, and for 11 weeks, twice a week, prepared an additional 400 meals, loaded them into rental vehicles – Heritage needed to augment their small fleet – and drove 120 miles per trip to make sure children in Greene County did not go hungry this summer.
“Heritage Community Initiatives is an excellent partner in the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s journey to end childhood hunger. We have worked together for many years to feed kids in Allegheny County year-round,” said Kelsey Gross, director of Child Nutrition Programs at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. “After exhausting our search for nutrition partners in Greene and neighboring counties, we talked with Heritage. Because of Heritage’s partnership, 120 kids had access to the Summer Youth Cafe program this year.”
Heritage Summer Feeding
Program at a Glance
Average # of meals prepared per day: 2,790
Miles traveled per week: 1,005
Food made and delivered: 40 tons
Pints of milk: 80,396
Fruits and vegetables: 114,260
% increase in contracts year over year: 74%
Team members who made it happen: 6
Food Insecurity Doesn’t End with Summer – Heritage Kicks Off Campaign to Feed Even More Children and Seniors Year Round
The need for nourishment among vulnerable populations in Allegheny County far outpaces the capacity of Heritage and like-minded organizations. This year alone, Heritage experienced a 74% increase in contracts and routinely receives requests for additional contracts. “There is no greater satisfaction for the Heritage team than to know that because of our work, children and seniors are fed,” added McWilliams. “We are proud to do our part, but our work is not done.”
David Massaro, chairman of Heritage’s Board of Directors, agrees. “Though the work of our team this summer was extraordinary, we can no longer operate at this level without additional resources,” he explained. “So that we can ensure our nutrition program has the capacity necessary to not only continue its current level of service, but address increased demand for its sought-after meals, we are seeking an investment of $1.27 million.” Massaro explained these funds will address the significant delta between Heritage’s actual costs and the reimbursement rate ($4.25/lunch) and defray the cost of a commercial kitchen that will enable it to increase production capacity. “We’re asking the good people in the region to invest in Heritage so we can answer the call in an even bigger way and further address the growing food insecurity issues so many of our neighbors face daily.”
About Heritage Community Initiatives
For over 40 years, Heritage Community Initiatives has been committed to positively impacting the socioeconomic mobility of those they are privileged to serve throughout 49 communities in eastern Allegheny County. Their distinctive combination of the highest-quality Transportation, Education and Nutrition programs allows Heritage to be uniquely positioned to continue its long-standing mission for thousands of under-resourced individuals, families, and children in affordable and measurably impactful ways. For more information visit HeritageServes.org.