Why We Go to Pittsburgh Food Banks & You Should Too
Pittsburgh food banks get a bad rep. Â I remember the first time I told a friend of mines that I was going to the food bank. Â She quick responded, "Why would you do that?" Â I expected that response and it wouldn't be the last time a person would respond that way when I told them I have food from a Pittsburgh food bank. Â For whatever reason, people view the food bank as a place to get "bad" food and as only for poor people. Â Well it's time for a reality check. Â I'm a middle class mom and get good food from the food bank.
I homeschool my boys and am a stay-at-home mom. Â We have to make a lot of tough financial choices in order to maintain this lifestyle and continue to live the way we want to live. Â But, going to the food bank isn't a tough choice, it is a privilege. Â Everyday millions of American waste tons of food. Â Stores, restaurants and families throw away tons of food. Â Pittsburgh food banks should be applauded for preventing the waste of some of that food. Â The food banks purchase food from local grocers and distribute it to people like me that need it. Â Food from the food bank helps me stretch my regular grocery store foods and decreases the amount of food I need to buy at market prices. Â It's a win-win. Â Some food banks have income requirements, but many just ask that you live in the neighborhood and provide the number of people in your household and a valid state id. Â That's it. Â So, here are 3 reasons we utilize Pittsburgh food banks.
The Food Bank has FREE Food!
My kids LOVE food bank day. Â Sometimes we leave with 2-3 boxes of food. Â From pastries, to fruit and veggies, and breakfast meats the food bank gives out FREE quality food. Â I can't count how many times I've run out of fresh fruit or needed something quick for breakfast and have been able to pull out a can of peaches I received from the food bank. Â Why do I need to say anymore. Â I have a family and the food bank has FREE food. Â That's a no-brainer.
The Food Bank is Great for Holidays
I love that the food bank gives out non-perishable food. Â During the holidays when I'm making cakes, cookies and all kinds of holiday goodies, those cans of milk come in handy. Â I also never have to buy stuffing again. Â I literally have enough dressing to stuff about 8 turkeys. Â During the holidays many people are donating food to food banks so they always have cakes, cookies and sometimes even turkeys to give away. Â When you have an extended family as big as mines, I appreciate the help the food bank provides.
Pittsburgh Food Banks are Easy to Access
Every neighborhood in Pittsburgh has a food bank. Â Within 10 miles of my house I have 3 food banks. Â They all distribute on various days. Â If you are working during the time the food bank distributes food, you can provide your food bank with the name of a relative that can pick-up your food for you. Â (This person is known as a proxy.) Â Here is a list to help you find your Pittsburgh food bank.