Sharpsburg Food Pantry: A Beacon of Hope for Local Families
In the heart of Sharpsburg, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry has once again proven its invaluable role in the community. This month, over 130 families from the Fox Chapel Area received essential emergency food assistance, showcasing the power of compassion and teamwork in times of crisis.
Responding to the Crisis
On May 6, the doors of the pantry, located at St. Mary Church on Garnier Street, swung open to all in need. Just a week after severe storms swept through Southwestern Pennsylvania, leaving nearly 400,000 people without power, the pantry’s swift action became a lifeline.
Utility crews from Duquesne Light and West Penn Power labored relentlessly to restore electricity, but the pantry faced its own challenges. After two days without power, many perishable items were rendered unsalvageable. The dedicated team, led by organizers Becky Urso and Jennifer Begg, worked tirelessly to replenish supplies in preparation for the emergency distribution.
Urso emphasizes the community’s urgent need: “We soon realized there was so much demand that we had to restock our supplies later that same day.” The pantry managed to acquire fresh meats and dairy products from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, ensuring families received nutritious food.
A Seamless Operation
The day’s distribution was a success, with many families benefiting from four frozen proteins, including chicken, fish, and beef. Each household also received essential items like milk, eggs, and margarine, if supplies allowed.
Urso expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m super blessed to have such a great group of volunteers who care about our clients and the community. We are fortunate to have generous donations that allow us to keep restocking.”
The Heart of Volunteerism
The pantry’s success could not be achieved without the dedication of its 30 volunteers, including retired teachers Grace Link and Patricia Faub. Both women find fulfillment in giving back, emphasizing the personal rewards associated with volunteering. “It’s rewarding to be able to give back,” Link shared, highlighting their teamwork in managing the distribution.
Looking Ahead: Regular Distributions
The next scheduled distribution will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6:30 p.m. Urso is also pleased to note that 20 new families registered during the emergency event, further demonstrating the ongoing needs of the community.
“I just think this area always pulls together to support those in need,” Urso said. “It’s such a good feeling to know that everyone is willing to work together in times of adversity.”
How You Can Help
If you wish to contribute to this essential service, donations can be made by writing checks payable to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and mailing them to Christ the King Parish, 342 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.
For more details, visit the pantry’s website at sharpsburgfoodpantry.org.
Conclusion
The Sharpsburg Food Pantry stands as a testament to the spirit of community, resilience, and the profound impact of volunteerism. In a time where so many are in need, the efforts of local heroes shine brightly, reminding us all of the power of coming together.
For updates on local initiatives and events, stay tuned to our posts as we continue to highlight the extraordinary efforts of those in our community.
Mike DiVittorio contributes general news coverage for TribLive in Western Pennsylvania, with a special focus on food and festivals. Reach out to him at [email protected].
